The City boss said to the CET: "The players were upset and hurt by the criticism they received after the Stoke game and I have said to them that while we are in the situation we are in,that's what they have to expect. "The players do need lifting because they are human beings.
"We don't want to see their heads drop like they did against Stoke and the lads have to understand and accept it. We are looking for big players to stand up and be counted. We have to be broad-shouldered and get on with it. The only way you respond to it is by what you do on a Saturday."