Martin O'Neill has attributed Sunderland's recent run of form to a loss of confidence.
The Black Cats, who sit one point outside the relegation zone, haven't won a single game at the Stadium of Light since September. However, with a bit more belief, the Northern Irishman insists that the club can turn their season around.
"Speaking to the backroom staff here, the training has always been good," O'Neill told Sky Sports News.
"There always seems to have been a good atmosphere around the place, I would just say there seems to have been a little bit of confidence lost.
"I really think it is key. When players lose a bit of confidence, I really don't care what sort of ability you have, they don't shine in the same fashion. Restoring that is key to everything."
Sunderland will look to distance themselves from the drop zone when Steve Kean's Blackburn - who sit one point behind - travel to the Stadium of Light this weekend.
