Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has shed some light on the mood inside the dressing room following a shock 2-1 defeat to Marumo Gallants.
Amakhosi slipped out of the Top Eight as they fell to Gallants thanks to goals from Matome Mathiane, who levelled matters after Glody Lilepo had put the home side ahead 10 minutes in, and Daniel Msendami, whose free-kick found the net with 15 minutes left.
READ | Chiefs star: I hoped for more, but...
The loss has cast doubt over the side's Top Eight ambitions with three games left, let alone the prospect of finishing in the top four.
Speaking to the media at FNB Stadium on Saturday, Nabi revealed he had noted some bowed heads in his squad and held a lengthy team talk ahead of his post-match presser.
"First of all, my apologies for the delay of the press conference. It is true that we had a talk with the players," Nabi said.
"After such a difficult position we are in, you can see that everybody is hurt, feeling down, and showing a lack of confidence.
"You could feel that some are giving up. What I told them is that there is no time to blame anyone or to regret what has happened because today’s results cannot be changed.
"We have two very important games in front of us that can still save our season. The derby is coming next weekend, and there is the final of the Nedbank Cup," he went on.
READ | A big 'step' forward for Pirates defender
Furthermore, the 59-year-old challenged his players to assess themselves with honesty and reflect on how they are perform at training and during games.
"We need to stick together and approach this week’s preparation with our heads up."
Chiefs will need their heads up as they prepare to take on arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the Calabash on Saturday.
