Sligo Rovers manager John Russell has moved to defend his players despite a 7-0 defeat to Drogheda United last Friday night.
The Bit O' Red were the form team in the Premier Division before exiting the FAI Cup to UCD and then capitulating in Drogheda.
Russell was finishing a three-man ban for the fixture, meaning he could only watch along in the stands as Sligo fell to the second heaviest defeat in their history.
The Rovers boss issued a statement this afternoon admitting "anger, frustration, embarrassment" at his team’s display.
He said: "It was a shocking performance and result last Friday night. There is no other way to describe it.
"Football is an emotional game. The psychology of dealing with pressure is a skill that players and staff continually refine.
"As I sat in the stands last Friday night with our head strength and conditioning coach Tom French, I was filled with lots of emotions. Probably the same emotions of all our away fans and our supporters tuning in on LOITV. Anger, frustration, embarrassment.
"In the aftermath of these difficult moments, it is my job as manager to take a step back and take an objective view. Analyse what happened, learn from it, help the players and staff and move forward.
"We have the youngest squad in the league. They are learning the game while also learning about themselves. I believe you only truly learn about yourself in tough moments or in tough times. It tests your character, and it can allow you to build your resilience."
Russell said he felt his players did not hide away in the aftermath of the game as he looks for a response in next Saturday’s clash with Waterford.
It pits the sides in third and fourth in the table against each other, with the Blues also suffering some setbacks recently including their own Cup exit and four defeats in five in the league.
Russell spoke of his observations: "As some players were substituted on Friday night, I watched their body language closely. I also watched to see if they shook (assistant manager) Ryan Casey’s hand as they entered the dugout. They did.
"At the final whistle, I watched as the players and staff approached our away supporters. They stood and applauded. They took the flak. Win, lose or draw this group are consistent in their actions. They showed their character.
"Everyone is hurting. The journey home was one of the toughest I’ve ever experienced. But when you step back, you need to remember that this is the same group of players who have delivered some special nights.
"They have exceeded expectations so far this season. Everyone can have a bad performance or a bad night. It’s how you respond.
"We have an opportunity to respond on Saturday night in front of our own supporters in the Showgrounds."
The team in third place in the league will enter Europa Conference League qualifying next July. Fourth place will also be good enough in the Derry City or Shelbourne win the FAI Cup.
