Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez insists they're struggling due to a raft of injuries after their shock defeat to Chievo Verona.
The 2-1 defeat at Chievo was a disaster for the Nerazzurri, who are now nine points off leaders Milan.
It could be much worse, though, as Eto'o was caught on camera head-butting Bostjan Cesar in the chest.
"Clearly after a defeat nobody is happy, but the players worked hard and had a strong reaction in the second half, showing what they had to in terms of character," said the under-fire Coach.
"Unfortunately we wasted a couple of chances to score, but in terms of effort and attitude, the team took the right approach. The reaction was positive right to the end on a terrible pitch. If we had scored earlier, the game would've changed completely."
This week there were several meetings amid the Inter hierarchy and Benitez was asked if there would be more summits.
"As always, we talk after every game. Clearly a side like ours has to win a game of this nature, but the lads did work hard.
"I am a professional Coach and have already lived through situations like this. The only way to change the tide is to work and today I saw the players look for the victory.
"The first goal came from a mistake in the one-on-one. It was a technical error. We are going through a difficult situation with a side that has won a great deal, but we are also missing many crucial players and are forced to field lots of teenagers."
