Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has said that he is "big enough and ugly enough" to take any criticism that may be fired at him and his team.
The Trotters boss has come under pressure after a poor start to the season which has left his side 19th in the Premier League table.
"We all know the nature of the game we are involved in and I've said before, so long as people are not personal in terms of their criticism, then so be it," said Coyle.
"We have all been in the game long enough and are big enough and ugly enough to accept what goes on."
The Scot was also full of praise for Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish ahead of the two sides' clash this weekend.
"He is a friend of mine; he signed me from Dundee United and I played for him (at Motherwell) and loved my time under him," added Coyle.
"He is a terrific manager and, more than that, he is an outstanding man, somebody I have got a lot of time for.
"He is very passionate and loves his football. He has done a terrific job wherever he has been."
Bolton host Villa at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.
Jack Prescott
