John Barnes backs under pressure Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish
![Kenny Dalglish looks to the heavens during the 2-0 defeat](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2012/04/01/21/Pg-2s-dalglish-afp.jpg)
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Louise Thomas
Editor
Liverpool legend John Barnes does not believe manager Kenny Dalglish is immune from criticism - but expects him to ride through it.
Dalglish is coming under increasing pressure to arrest an alarming slump in form which has seen the Reds lose six of their last seven Barclays Premier League matches.
Most supporters have given Anfield legend Dalglish wholehearted backing since he returned to the job for a second spell last year and have been reluctant to criticise the Scot.
But the current poor run - just eight points have been collected in 12 games in 2012 - is testing patience and Barnes is not surprised disquiet is growing.
Barnes, one of the star signings of Dalglish's first stint in charge, told BBC Sport: "We're in the results business and Kenny is no different to anyone else.
"If Sir Alex Ferguson goes through a run of losing games, he's going to be in trouble.
"No matter who you are, it's a results-driven business.
"No-one is immune. There are people talking about it - we have seen it, we have heard it.
"It does happen, but you also have to be realistic in terms of the effect it will have on what you are trying to achieve.
"And the people in the know - how much are they going to support you? Kenny is well supported, so he won't take any notice of that."
Amid the bad results, Liverpool have kept their season alive with their cup performances.
They won the Carling Cup in February and face Everton in the FA Cup semi-finals later this month.
Barnes, 48, said: "In the league they have not been consistent enough - and that is what doing well in the league is all about, being consistent week in, week out.
"Liverpool over the years have been a good cup side but it is disappointing in the league."
The former England winger believes everyone needs to get behind Dalglish to propel the club out of their current turmoil.
He said: "You have to know how to get the results and the people who are going to get the results are the team who shows more support for its manager and its players."
PA
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