David Moyes insists the buck stops with him as he seeks to turnaround Everton's faltering form.
Wednesday night's 3-2 reverse at Hull means the Blues have only won one of their last seven Premier League outings.
The Toffees' hopes of notching up another victory at the KC Stadium were dashed inside 30 minutes, with Phil Brown's men netting three goals in that period through Stephen Hunt, Andy Dawson and Dean Marney.
A second half own goal from Kamil Zayatte and a penalty strike from Louis Saha gave Everton hope of a dramatic comeback. But the equaliser would not materialise.
The manager insists his side has to find form and begin to show their true ability.
He said: "The performance was shocking and we all take responsibility for it. I've seen a few poor performances since I've been here but that (first 45 minutes) will be up there with the worst of them.
"It is up to the players to take responsibility but I take responsibility for the players I select.
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"We could be dragged into a relegation fight - particularly because of the injuries and individual performances. But I am the one who has to take responsibility for the team. I pick the team and I sign them.
"I'm the one who has the ultimate responsibility."
The one plus from the match was the return to action of South African international Steven Pienaar. His return is all the more important because midfield has been the area hardest hit this term by injuries and suspensions.
He added: "Are the problems we have had in midfield this season the main reason (for our form)? I don't know. I tried to put Tim Cahill back into midfield tonight and at first it looked to be working. But we also tried to go with two forwards and we found ourselves three goals down.
"We're not doing well enough and we need to do better."
Everton's injury woes are continuing, with the manager also revealing Jack Rodwell's second half substitution was enforced.
He revealed: "It looks like Jack Rodwell may have picked up a groin strain but we will have to wait and see."
The extended highlights of the contest at the KC Stadium will be available on evertonTV from midnight Wednesday (GMT).
