The QPR gaffer pulled no punches after a 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield.
In fact, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank was as surprised as Rs fans the team failed to respond after a midweek caning by Newcastle.
At least this time it was only by a single goal rather than 6-0, but that seemed little consolation, as JFH told the club's official website, www.qpr.co.uk
"The performance was not the one we expected," he said. "We were second best and I didn't get the reaction that I thought we would have.
"We are in a difficult period, because of the the result the other day. It came as a good punch in the head, and when you're not used to losing that type of numbers - it hurts, it hurts."
Rangers conceded two soft Huddersfield goals, and needed to inject some fresh ideas. Idrissa Sylla, Sebastian Polter and Ariel Borysiuk came on as second-half subs.
Indeed, Sylla pulled one back for a debut goal - but a leveller failed to arrive.
Hasselbaink was left to lament just about everything else.
"Two goals at the second post; it was very difficult with confidence low - they (players) need a lift.
"We had to change and bring two fresh players on, but with the ball we were not as fluent as we wanted to be. Without it, we didn't react as quick as possible.
"As a staff we need to lift the players, but that can change in an instance.
"Only we can fix it, and we need to go back to basics."
