Manager Neil Warnock has admitted that he has work to do in order to restore confidence within his Cardiff City squad.
The Welsh side have spent the first half of the campaign competing at the top of the Championship standings, but Friday's defeat to Preston North End was the club's third successive setback.
The Bluebirds have struggled with injuries of late, but their experienced boss has acknowledged that he has been left disappointed with the club's recent run.
Warnock told BBC Radio Wales: "I can't fault the effort, they are trying their hardest, but I was disappointed with the result.
"We lacked a little bit of quality in certain areas. We are lacking in midfield but we only have two fit.
"It was a sloppy goal, I thought our goalkeeper should have had it really, but these are things that happen when things are going against you. I think it is up to me now to lift the lads."
Cardiff are next in action when they face Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on New Year's Day.
Darren Plant
