Paul Lambert has told the Aston Villa supporters to get behind the team when they face Arsenal at Villa Park on Monday.
The Villans go into the match on the back of a shock FA Cup elimination to League One outfit Sheffield United last weekend, which has left some fans frustrated with the club's current form.
"I don't have any problem with the crowd," Lambert said in his press conference. "If the team is not performing, then you expect people to vent their frustration - that is normal.
"But we are a young side. Last year, we played Newcastle at home and we were getting beaten 2-0 in the first half. Then we scored, and for about 40 minutes, it didn't matter what we did, that crowd was right with us. They were brilliant that time.
"Because you are in your second year, it might be a different view, but if they can stick with it and see us through the hard times when we need them, because we certainly need them. They have been excellent for us overall, and we expect if we are not performing that certain things will happen. But we're hoping [in the Arsenal game] that they will get right behind us."
Villa are currently 11th in the Premier League table.
Matt Cotton
