Aston Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner has called for unity.
Frustration is growing among the Villa faithful after Saturday's defeat at Crystal Palace left them just four points clear of the drop-zone with five games to play.
In a statement on the club's official website, Faulkner said: "Four games ago, on the back of two good home wins, we were looking up the table and feeling confident of a strong, positive finish to the season.
"Since then we have suffered four consecutive defeats and that is hard to take. We are hurting. Fans are hurting, players and the manager are hurting. The frustration is shared by everyone who loves Aston Villa.
"Now more than ever it's time for us all to pull together - fans, players, the manager, everyone at the club. Our immediate focus and combined efforts need to be concentrated on our game against Southampton this weekend and on our remaining games of the season."
