Linfield boss David Healy has told his players that none of their critics will be shedding tears over the champions’ faltering form.
The Big Two giants, who celebrated a domestic double last season, are in desperate need of a tonic after exiting the Irish Cup with a whimper at Larne.
Friday's second round KO came less than a week after a 3-0 league loss at Coleraine, a result that saw them leapfrogged by rivals Glentoran at the top of the table.
Linfield have now gone three games without a win and Healy knows a response is essential if the Windsor Park men aren’t to slip further off the title pace.
After tonight's clash with Larne at Windsor Park, the Blues face a Big Two derby at Mick McDermott’s in-form Glens on Friday night.
“Yeah, we’re down and we’re disappointed but we’ve got to respond because nobody’s going to feel sorry for us, that’s for sure,” said Healy.
“There were a few disappointed bodies in the dressing room on Friday night, which is natural when you lose a cup tie or lose a game.
“It was tough going out of the Irish Cup because we were proud holders, but it’s important we regroup, focus and go again.”
While Linfield are currently in the firing line, Healy is confident his players will be galvanised by online flak and the heightened media scrutiny.
“We have to stick together as a group and we will do,” he said. “We have always done that because it’s never just the players’ fault or the manager’s fault.
“We’re a collective group and we’ve always been that through disappointment and success.”
It isn’t the first time this season that Linfield, who are chasing a fourth successive league title, have gone three games without a win.
The same happened in November, a League Cup defeat at Ballymena United nestling between a league draw at Portadown and 2-1 defeat to Crusaders at Seaview.
They responded in style with nine wins and two draws in their next 11 outings and Healy will be hoping for something similar with only 13 league games left.
“We have the league to focus on now and we have 13 games left,” he said. “We basically have 13 cup finals, you could call them that, starting on Tuesday night.
“Larne beat us at Windsor in the league last season, but we beat them in the Irish Cup final and we’ve had other positive results against them in the league.
“They’re always tough games against them because they’re a good side.”
Linfield lie two points off leaders Glentoran who travel to face struggling Portadown at Shamrock Park on Tuesday night.
