Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has admitted that the club's current crop of players are the "most frustrating" bunch that he has ever worked with.
The Magpies find themselves in the relegation zone with just 12 matches of the season remaining, dropping into the bottom three on goal difference following a 5-1 defeat to Chelsea in their last league outing.
That followed a victory over West Bromwich Albion, and McClaren warned his side that they could not continue to be so inconsistent if they want to stay in the Premier League this season.
"It's the most frustrating team I've worked with. We were fantastic against WBA and then lost 5-1. It's one extreme to the other," McClaren told reporters.
"We've talked a lot about character, fight and attitude and realising the situation we are in before it's too late.
"It's about the here and now and winning matches. We have to keep clean sheets and score goals - that hasn't been the case for us."
The Magpies face Stoke City on Wednesday night looking for a win that could take them out of the bottom three, but McClaren is expecting a tough time of things at the Britannia Stadium.
"This is huge to make sure we stay in this league. Stoke will be very difficult. They have very good players and a very good team," he added.
Newcastle will take on fellow relegation candidates Bournemouth at the weekend.
