Downing, currently preparing for England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales on Saturday, admits he and his team-mates are hurting at the club's current predicament.
Villa are only one point above the relegation zone after the 1-0 home reversal against Wolves last weekend and fans called for manager Gerard Houllier to be sacked.
But Downing has revealed the determination in the squad to move clear of trouble.
"We all know that our personal pride is at stake at Villa," he said. "I don't want to be relegated and I don't want to be down at the bottom of the table all the time.
"Darren Bent has left Sunderland and come here and expects big things and it isn't happening at the minute."
Source: PA
Source: PA