Brian McDermott insists confidence isn’t an issue at Leeds following their latest defeat and refused to use injuries as a reason for their defeat.
The Rhinos went down 14-10 to Salford Red Devils on Saturday, condemning the 2015 treble winners to their eighth defeat in ten games.
Leeds remain eleventh in Super League and are now five points behind Castleford, who hold the final place in the top eight of Super League.
However, McDermott said: “The players are tight together and the players are strong.
“Its unbelievably frustrating for the injured players on the sidelines watching this unfold. We are going through some experiences together as a group that is not easy. But I don’t think anyone is going home racked with self-doubt. It is clear what we need to do and clear how we need to do it.”
He continued: “Have we got injuries? Yes. Could we have won that tonight with the team we had out? I thought we were capable of doing that.
“There are certain things – and I say it every week – but you try and find a different way of saying it. The level of preparation we haven’t been able to do because of the flood (of the club’s Kirkstall training ground at Christmas) and the injuries have had a bearing.
“I can’t use that line for too long though. We need to come up with some performances to get us a win. But there things out of our control.”
A full match report of Saturday’s game will be in the new League Express. Available in stores Monday and online Sunday evening.
