Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he shares fans' concerns but remains buoyant about the direction of the club.
The Gunners slumped to a miserable 1-0 defeat at Norwich on Saturday, leaving them 10 points behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League.
Victory against Schalke in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League clash would all but secure qualification from Group B with three matches left and would certainly lift the spirit of supporters at Thursday's Annual General Meeting.
With Wenger's men without a trophy for seven years, the Frenchman said: "I share that concern but I believe we can compete.
"The three points we dropped at Norwich are not welcome and it came at a period where we absolutely needed to win this game, but for the rest we are in a strong position.
"What is very important is that we do not lose more ground. The gap is a lot, but we have just to focus to get closer now.
"For us, it is not the number of points only, it is that the margin of error we have now in front of us which is very limited - and with a result like that we have put a huge pressure on our shoulders."
Wenger, who concludes his European three-match touchline ban at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, accepts he will be facing plenty of questions from disgruntled shareholders at the AGM.
"I understand every frustration. I am not a racist against frustration," the Frenchman added.
"Who doesn't share the frustration? However, the most difficult at the top level is to be consistent and one day you will see that.
"We have lost many players and to combine both is not easy - we have a good team, a strong financial situation and are consistent.
"Of course, I would love everybody to be happy, but I think overall the club is in a very strong position.
"People also feel the players have a good attitude, so it is down to us now to make the maximum of this during the season - but there is no reason really to be doom and gloom."
Source: SkySports
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