Newcastle defender Daryl Janmaat hopes the pressure affecting manager Alan Pardew has started to lift as a result of a much-needed upturn in form.
A dreadful start to the campaign saw the Magpies fail to win any of their first six Premier League matches, with some fans calling volubly for Pardew's sacking.
But the sense of gloom has begun to ease, with the Tynesiders taking seven points from their last three matches, including back-to-back wins over Leicester and Tottenham.
Janmaat was one of a handful of new signings caught up in the early season turbulence at St James' Park, but he insists the squad remain steadfastly supportive of Pardew.
"The manager was under a lot of pressure so it's nice that we have given him these points," said the Dutchman.
"The pressure has eased. We want him as the manager - of course. We want him.
"We do not want another manager. If you lose games then it is normal (for the manager to be questioned), but now I expect the pressure to ease on him.
"We needed points and we need to be higher in the table. Two wins in a row after a draw has been very good for us."
Pardew could further strengthen his hand with a big result against Manchester City in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup tonight (7.45pm).
"The pressure has eased. We want him as the manager - of course. We want him"
It is, of course, no easy task to topple the defending champions, especially on their own turf, but that means Newcastle have little to lose.
Janmaat, although wary of the many options available to his City counterpart Manuel Pellegrini, is approaching the game in a positive mood.
"City have a big squad and a great squad - even their second team is very good," he said.
"It will be a tough game but if we play like we did in the second half at Spurs, then of course we have a chance.
"We've had a great start to the week and we want to win the next two now."
The 25-year-old, who arrived in the north east fresh from Holland's World Cup campaign, may only have been a Newcastle player a matter of months but the club's lengthy wait for silverware is already on his mind.
Asked if the cup was important when placed against the side's league form, he said: "Of course, it is a prize and Newcastle have not won one since 1969.
"It would be a great party if we won a prize. The fans want that very much."
Ayoze Perez is likely to be in contention for a second consecutive Newcastle start, despite a whirlwind round trip to Madrid.
The 21-year-old was given permission to attend the Liga de Futbol Profesional's annual awards, where he walked away with two trophies recognising his impressive form for Tenerife last season.
Perez won the Liga Adelante's breakthrough player gong, as well being named the Segunda Division's best attacking midfielder.
Perez, who opened his Newcastle account in Sunday's 2-1 win over Tottenham, scored 16 times in 34 appearances for Tenerife last term.
He told NUFC TV: "I'm really, really proud to be part of the names (in Madrid), because the awards are for players in the Primera and Segunda so it's a very important awards ceremony."
