Tim Sherwood has left the door open for a sports psychologist to aid Aston Villa's survival fight. The Villa Park chief insisted, though, his players must rediscover their character for the relegation run-in.
They go to Newcastle on Saturday second bottom of the Premier League after six straight defeats.
They have scored just 13 goals in 26 league games this season, the lowest in the top flight, and boss Sherwood would explore all options to improve their confidence and help Villa stay up.
"If there's someone out there who I think can help the group, whether it be a coach or a psychologist, or whoever, we wouldn't turn it down," said Sherwood, who replaced Paul Lambert this month. "The players have to find that (confidence) within themselves, no one's born with that.
"People are more confident than others with the experiences they've had in life, they're at this level now.
"They're all in a high-profile job and have to go out on a Saturday and not leave anything behind.
"They have to want to go out there and want to have bravery, go and get on the ball, even if they're giving it away.
"They mustn't worry about the anxiety around the place. If we're going to fail, we'll fail trying and really expressing ourselves."
Sherwood lost his first game in charge, 2-1 at home to Stoke last Saturday, after Ron Vlaar conceded a last-minute penalty.
It left the boss stunned, but he was pleased the players showed they cared.
"I thought the hurt in the dressing room afterwards was as bad as mine," he said. "I shared that.
"They're in this position for a reason, and we have to find that reason and try and get it out of them.
"It's not lack of quality in the group. There's something in there we need to dispel.
"There's no shame in getting it out in the open."
Sherwood has a defensive problem though with Vlaar suspended, Kieran Richardson out with a calf problem and Philippe Senderos also struggling with a long-term calf issue. Alan Hutton and Aly Cissokho are also nursing knocks.