Ruud Van Nistelrooy has dismissed concerns that he could be sacked from his role as Leicester manager just 56 days into his reign.
The Foxes have lost their past seven Premier League games and another defeat on Sunday at Tottenham would equal a club record run set in 2001.
They are second bottom, two points from safety, following last weekend’s 2-0 defeat by Fulham.
Van Nistelrooy – who only replaced Steve Cooper in November – has won just two of his 10 games in all competitions, one of which was the 6-2 FA Cup third round victory over QPR.
“I’m focused on getting this team out of the situation, that’s my only concern,” he said, when asked if he was worried about his job.
“I’m with the players, working with everyone at Leicester to get the best out of this squad, and in difficult times. In tough times, you need to be strong, show character, work and persist and be committed.
“We are united and committed. That is the spirit and you can see that on the pitch. I can see a team with spirit and fight. If we continue this run will end.”
Van Nistelrooy also said that Wilfred Ndidi is not for sale this month with Monaco interested in the midfielder.
Ndidi signed a new three-year contract, with the option of a further year, in the summer after helping the Foxes win promotion back to the Premier League and Van Nistelrooy is not thinking about letting the Nigeria international leave.
“No, of course not,” he replied when asked if Ndidi, who is close to a return from a hamstring injury, could depart.
“Wilfred is a key player and person in the squad and in the club and I’m glad he is nearly there to help the team again.
“We know how much we’ve missed him and we know we need him. Wilf is key in the coming months, a key part of this team that can get us out of this situation.”
