Derby County head coach Paul Warne insists he is still “getting the best out of his players” as pressure rises following a dreadful run of four straight Championship defeats.
Warne’s team is just one point above the relegation zone after a 2-0 home loss to Watford on Saturday.
The booing echoed around Pride Park following the club’s fifth defeat in all competitions, which included a penalty shootout loss to League One Leyton Orient.
But Warne, 51, told BBC Radio Derby: “I like the way we play, and I believe we are getting the most out of the players and group.”
“We set the team up as best we can. Me, my coaches and staff are doing everything we can. I can put my head on the pillow every single day knowing we support the lads and set them up in the best way.
“And if that wasn’t the case, I wouldn’t sleep. Unfortunately, we are just coming up a bit short at the moment.”
The Rams face promotion-chasing Sunderland on Tuesday, and could be in the drop zone by the end of the night.
But BBC Radio Derby has reported that the club remain supportive of their boss and will back him in the January transfer window.
Warne arrived at Derby in September 2022, with the club only recently out of administration just months earlier and struggling in League One.
Promotion followed last season and the Rams won three of their first five league games back in the second tier, but they have only won four from 23 since beating Cardiff City on 14 September.
“It’s much easier to manage a football club when the team is winning every week,” Warne added.
“But we are in a sticky patch at the moment – a lot through our own inadequacies and also we have a been a bit unfortunate with injuries to key players.
“It’s about keeping the group positive and setting them up in a way to get a positive result.
“In crucial moments, no one intentionally misses the target or a tackle. Sometimes the difference between winning and losing is small margins.
“But we have to get better. And that is my job.”
