Mick McCarthy: That was unacceptable

Mick McCarthy today had no complaints about taking the flak for an "unacceptable" Wolves showing against Liverpool.

The 3-0 defeat leaves his team second bottom of the Premier League and facing a collision of huge significance with fellow strugglers QPR at Loftus Road on Saturday.

His team finished the night being mocked by their own supporters losing heart after just two wins since the opening six points of the season and without a victory in nine games.

Opposition to the Wolves boss is growing and although there is no sign of owner Steve Morgan abandoning his faith in the manager, McCarthy acknowledges the fans were justified in venting their disapproval at the finish.

"I can hear what the fans are saying and I fully understand it," he said.

"It was an unacceptable performance from us in the second half and watching that was unacceptable for me or anybody else.

"That's as bad a performance as we've had here or away. Fans pay good money to come and watch and they expect better and I understand that.

"If I had been watching I'd have probably responded like that as well.

"The lads are hurting, there are none of them that have come and not tried but once we've conceded we've gone on to be beaten by a considerably better side who have just beaten Manchester City and Manchester United. If you give them goals then it becomes hard work but I understand people's reactions."

McCarthy delayed his scathing de-brief of another performance marred by defensive frailties which contributed to Liverpool's victory until the squad gathered for a video re-run today.

But with Saturday's clash against bottom-five outfit QPR – fortified by FIVE new signings yesterday – growing in importance he accepts there are no easy answers.

"If you are looking for a magic formula then quite clearly I can't just find one now," he added.

"We've got to defend better with the players we have got and not look elsewhere and point fingers at who is to blame."