Frustrated Csaba Laszlo has challenged his Dundee United players to show they are determined to clinch the play-off place that can salvage their season.
Tuesday night’s defeat at Inverness Caley Thistle leaves the Tangerines with just a single victory from their last nine games.
If that lack of winning form continues, United are in grave danger of missing out on the post-season action.
And while he accepts his share of the responsibility for what has been a horrendous slump since the turn of the year, Csaba believes things will only change when the players step up to the plate.
He said: “There is a question to some players, because we try everything and Inverness was a good possibility to move up the table.
“We played against a team which I don’t think will be in the play-offs but I think Inverness looked like the one who wanted to be in the play-offs and this is not OK.”
United went down to an Aaron Doran goal just before the interval and, although his side did create a couple of decent chances, Csaba admitted the better team won.
And although he appreciates there is a lack of confidence in his ranks right now, he believes it’s up to the players to battle to get it back.
“The players have their pride and I want to see them show this.
“You have to take the chance, nobody gives you gifts.
“The desire and the will to give you the win, you have to show these qualities.
“And you get back your confidence from the games, not the training and this is what you have to show.
“I am critical but in the second half we tried.
“However, we have lost the first goal again and this means you run again against the result and this is what is disappointing.”
Next up for United is Morton at Cappielow on Saturday.
Another defeat would see the gap to them at third place stretched to four points.
United still have two games in hand on the Greenock outfit, but Csaba knows that is only a plus if the team are winning.
“The extra games should be an opportunity but they are passing and we are not winning,” he added.
Defender Tam Scobbie missed out through injury at the Tulloch Caldedonian Stadium but could make the weekend.
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