Steve Bruce has pointed to a mentality flaw at Newcastle United and insists he is yet to get to the bottom of it after 18 months in charge.
The former Aston Villa and Wigan boss put up a strong but measured public display on Friday when asked by journalists about his future and whether he would walk away from the job.
But Bruce insisted he would battle on and fight for his job despite eight games without a victory in all competitions.
Bruce, whose patchy form was saved by last season's FA Cup run last term, has nothing but a relegation battle on his hands at the start of 2021.
He said: "Unfortunately in the 18 months I've been here, we have thrown that one in and for my liking, a little bit too often.
"But what I can't deny is, look, I pick the team and I have to take the responsibility for it."
Newcastle were beaten by a single goal at Sheffield United on Tuesday night in a result that handed the Blades their first victory of the Premier League season and first three points since July.
Bruce said: "It simply wasn't good enough and I have to accept the criticism that's come our way because simply, we cannot accept that that performance was anywhere near where we should be."
