Paul Scharner has taken a swipe at new Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce's tactics after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
He insisted: "First of all I'm very happy for the team after eight defeats in a row. But at the same time I have to say it's difficult when we play long balls, 50-50 balls.
"It's very difficult to get on the ball, because we only have a 50-50 chance.
"That was our strategy today, to play long balls to Emile Heskey and Marcus Bent. The new manager wants to make us difficult to beat and to press the ball.
"I'm a very positive thinker but if we don't change to playing football, then it will be very difficult. What I mean is football is not just about defending.
"A year-and-a-half ago, when we played very well, we were always dangerous in the middle or from the side. We could score at any time and I think this is what has been missing. A couple of times against City we did vary it and we were dangerous.
"And I think this should be our target to get playing that way.
"After losing eight on the run, it is hard to get back on to the right road - and in the second half you could see that we do not have all our confidence.
"But we have to look ahead. I think we are a better team than our standing suggests and the new manager has lifted the belief among the players."
