Mark Crossley called on Notts County’s players to show more determination after watching them fall to a fifth straight league defeat on Saturday.
Jon Stead scored his first goal of the season but that was not enough to prevent a 3-1 loss to Forest Green Rovers at Meadow Lane, where Dan Jones was sent off early in the second half.
And Crossley says the players’ mentality is getting in the way of their obvious talents.
“You need to show determination and we’re not getting that,” he explained.
“They’re a talented bunch of players which is the reason they are at the club, but before talent you need to show heart.
“We need a bunch of players that will speak on the pitch, help each other and die for each other.”
Stead’s goal had brought Notts back into the game after Liam Shephard and Reuben Reid put the visitors two ahead but Dayle Grubb cemented the points for Forest Green.
And Crossley was frustrated that the side didn’t capitalise on the opportunity they gave themselves.
He added: “What was most disappointing was that we got back in the game, got into the ascendency and looked likely but then conceded a horrendous goal – like we have all season.
“Ironically we became a better team when we went down to 10 men but to have to lose a player to see that improvement is not right.
“We need our experienced players to be leaders on the pitch, help the younger players and communicate with them, but that isn’t happening at the moment.”
New manager Harry Kewell takes over the team on Sunday and is calling the players in for training straightaway.
Crossley said: “We’ll be back to work tomorrow morning and the players have a busy week with a trip to Grimsby on Tuesday.
“Harry is looking forward to working with this group of players. The lads look nervous but I’m sure he’ll get that out of them.
“There’s still a long time this season for him to get the best out of them.”