Unai Emery admits opponents are now ‘fearless’ when they come up against his Arsenal team as he battles to save his job.
The Gunners head coach has felt pressure mount in recent weeks with Arsenal winless in their last six games in all competitions.
Other names have started to emerge as potential contenders for the post, with Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo the latest to be linked with Emery’s role.
Emery concedes opponents are no longer worried about facing the current Arsenal side and has called on disgruntled fans to get behind their team.
‘We know our supporters are disappointed but tomorrow we have the chance to come back with our supporters in the Emirates and show them that reaction,’ he said ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.
‘I know some teams come here and are fearless against us and we need to be strong for our supporters, but first we need to reconnect with them. But really, my wish is tomorrow that the supporters and every supporter helps the team because we need them.
‘We know that the last match we were disappointed and the supporters were also and now we are only speaking here to prepare for the match and to show and to come back with a good performance like we were doing before.
‘And then, my only focus is to show tomorrow a good performance and connect with our supporters.’
Having called for unity among the fan base, Emery could test its allegiance if he opts to recall Granit Xhaka for the Frankfurt clash.
The Switzerland midfielder has been ostracised from the Arsenal squad since swearing at supporters in reaction to being jeered off during the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last month.
Emery has hinted he may turn to the 27-year-old this week, adding: “He’s in the group and has the possibility to play tomorrow.
‘I hope every supporter supports the team. Xhaka’s comeback is going to be important to us.’
Question marks also remain over the future of Germany international Shkodran Mustafi.
The defender was told he could leave the club in the summer but was not happy with any of the concrete offers that came in.
He has gone on to start all four Europa League games so far but admits he could still look to leave in January.
‘I am still here,’ he said.
‘I am a player of Arsenal and I’ve got a contract with Arsenal for one-and-a-half more years.
‘I have always said that if there is going to be something where it suits me and if there is going to be something where I want to make a next step, then I am open to it and I am open to talk.
‘But at the moment I think it’s a situation where we have to put our own interests in the background because we have to focus on the team and we have to focus on winning games.
‘I know there are always a lot of things going on and a lot of people talk and give opinions on what is going on, but I can say that in the dressing room that everyone is fully focused on giving everything to get out of this situation because it makes life easier for us when things are going good.’