Some sections of supporters chanted 'you're getting sacked in the morning' towards McCarthy when Wolves trailed 2-0 in the last home game with Swansea before recovering to draw 2-2. McCarthy branded them "mindless idiots" but now wants to restore a positive mindset around Molineux by ending a run of eight league games without a win.
He said: "We certainly can't afford to go behind in the game because that would change the atmosphere, no question, and I couldn't argue against that. For all we've done here, patience wears thin from everybody and you have to keep winning games."
He continued: "But listen, the fans have been brilliant. I had my rant at who I thought deserved to be ranted at and threw my toys out of the pram for a day and they are all back in.
"It was a small minority. Listen, it happens, but didn't they get back behind us when it was 2-1 and 2-2? The noise, you could hardly hear yourself think then.
"I think it is for us to generate that atmosphere against Wigan by us playing well, putting on a performance in, getting in front. Let's give the fans something to support rather than be sat there full of anxiety and stewing about it. It is our responsibility to entertain them."
McCarthy has set Wolves a target of 12 wins for Premier League survival as he stressed the importance of Sunday's bottom-four clash.
The Latics have fared even worse than Wolves and have lost seven games in a row to slide into bottom spot.
McCarthy said: "I reckon we have 12 must-win games - wherever they come from. This one is huge. Without me adding to the pressure by saying 'it's a must-win game', it's a hugely important one for us.
"It's against a team that's just lost seven and we've lost six out of seven. I don't need to stress the importance of it and I'm sure Roberto Martinez doesn't either."
Source: PA
Source: PA