Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy admits coach Martin Jol is under pressure.
Expectations of competing for a Champions League place came after spending more than £30million over the summer on Darren Bent, Younes Kaboul, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Gareth Bale.
Jol is pleased with the progress of his young signings but Spurs have only one league win for their efforts.
"I think it's inevitable with the quality of players we have in this squad that when we're not performing on the pitch there's bound to be speculation," added Levy.
"I've made it very clear that I very much want Martin to succeed, Martin is fully aware of our ambition, he also has got ambition - he just needs to get the results.
"I think we're all fairly thick-skinned if I'm honest, I just think Martin and the players need to ignore the outside pressure and just win, and that's what it's all about."