Sale Sharks head coach Alex Sanderson has insisted he is the right man to lead the club despite a humiliating 85-19 home defeat to Saracens, their 10th loss in 13 Premiership matches this season.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's crucial clash with fellow strugglers Harlequins, Sanderson said: "When criticism is levelled at you, as it has been, I don't reflect on whether I've got the minerals, because I know I have. Actually, if anything, it has motivated me more to reward those who believe and to prove the doubters wrong."
Sale sit seventh in the table, six points clear of Gloucester and seven ahead of Quins. A defeat could jeopardise a top-eight finish and qualification for next season's Champions Cup for a team that has reached the play-offs in four of the last five seasons.
Sanderson revealed he met with co-owner Simon Orange the day after the Saracens defeat and received strong backing. "Simon was the first person to contact me on Monday morning at eight o'clock. He sent me a text in support of what we're doing, where we're going, because he's on the inside and kind of knows it all," said Sanderson.
England flanker Tom Curry could return from a calf injury sustained during the Six Nations warm-up against Italy in March. Sanderson promised a major response from his side: "We're going to get a major response. 100%, that's what we're getting. I'd put my mortgage on it that they're gonna give a good performance."
Sale beat Quins three weeks ago in the Champions Cup and will look to repeat that result at the Twickenham Stoop.