Manchester City boss Mark Hughes admits a lack of self-belief is hurting their away form.
Unless Hughes finds a solution quickly, he acknowledges his side have no chance of securing a top-seven berth that would seal a spot in next season's UEFA Cup.
But he feels a problem has developed in the mind that is having a major effect on City's form.
"The longer this run goes maybe the self-belief aspect comes into it," said Hughes.
"We have confidence at Eastlands. There we are a fantastic team to watch and we score goals.
"Away from home you have to stick your chest out and say to the opposition 'come on what have you got'.
"But we just weren't able to ask enough questions and at the moment that is happening too many times away from home."