Adam Johnson has told Sunderland teammates to buck up their ideas over manager Paolo di Canio.
Failure to follow orders means a public dressing down.
But Johnson said: "You just have to accept that he is the manager and get on with it. It could kill some players' confidence but with others, it might inspire. It just depends on which type you are and how you take it.
"Personally, my biggest critic is myself. I know when I've done well and when I've not and if you need to be told, then you're struggling.
"We need to deal with any criticism and start picking up some points."
