Sunday 9 November 2014 11:39, UK
Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes says he and his team-mates are to blame for the inconsistencies which are continuing under new coach Roberto Di Matteo.
The main reason the club gave for sacking Jens Keller last month was that he was unable to deliver any continuity with promising wins followed by unexpected losses.
Di Matteo has won all three of his home games since taking charge, but Saturday's 2-0 loss in Freiburg was already his third defeat on the road.
"We can only blame ourselves," Howedes told his club's website.
"We've got to turn it around quickly and pick up points again. I expect a reaction from us in the weeks to come."
Forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar had similar thoughts, saying it is "up to the experienced players like myself to set an example."
"I don't have any explanation for it yet," added the Dutchman.
The international break will deny Di Matteo the opportunity of working intensely with his squad, with many of them away representing their countries.
Those who do stay, though, can expect an intense fortnight of work to prepare for the visit of high-flying Wolfsburg on November 22.
"We can achieve a lot with the squad that remains in these two weeks," said goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann.
"Maybe our (Champions League) game in Lisbon was still in our legs, but that cannot be an excuse."
