Fans at the Riverside were calling for Strachan to be sacked after the 2-1 defeat by Leeds left Boro, the pre-season npower Championship title favourites, floundering in 20th place.
But the Scot said: "The ones I feel sorry for are the players and the fans.
"It's surreal. I understand how the supporters reacted because they are scared when their team is not winning. They have a right to voice their opinion and they are disappointed right now. So are we.
"I expect there to be a reaction and it is down to us to deal with it. I feel sorry for the players too because they have put everything into the game and got nothing out of it.
"Things go against you sometimes - deflections, injuries, decisions - but it has been like that all season for us, every little mistake they make has been punished."
Source: PA
