John Carver has admitted that Newcastle United's draw against West Bromwich Albion ended what has been one of the toughest weeks of his life.
Ayoze Perez's equaliser rescued a point for Newcastle, who had lost their last eight Premier League games, after Victor Anichebe had given West Brom the lead.
The draw comes days after Carver hit the headlines for claiming that he was the best coach in the league.
Carver told BBC Sport: "There's been an awful lot said but one thing I would say is when you see a performance like that - and hopefully it's not too late - is that the players do care and they do want to stay in the Premier League.
"When I go to the golf course and stand on that tee box I think I am the best golfer in the world. When I play cricket I think I am the best all-rounder in the world. The remark I made was tongue-in-cheek. That's the way I am."
Newcastle are level with rivals Sunderland on 36 points, two clear of 18th-placed Hull City.
Michael Hincks
