Managers often ask players to look in the mirror during difficult spells, but it is far less common to hear such blunt introspection demanded publicly by the head coach himself.
Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin did exactly that after another damaging setback for the Dons.
A drab 1-0 defeat by Falkirk means Aberdeen have now lost four of their last five matches, with the positive autumn run that pulled them clear of relegation worries now a fading memory.
Speaking afterwards, Thelin did not hide his frustration.
“Of course, I’m the manager and responsible,” he said, “but sometimes the players have to look at themselves in the mirror and understand what football is really about.”
Only weeks ago, an eight-game unbeaten run - including a narrow win over league leaders Hearts - suggested Aberdeen had finally found their footing.
Instead, the slide has resumed, leaving them back in a familiar and uncomfortable position.
“I don’t want to talk so much about the game, more about ourselves,” Thelin told BBC Scotland.
“Football is much more than systems and technique. It’s about how you act on the pitch.
“I don’t like to say it, but Falkirk had the desire to win the football match. We have to change that quickly. It’s about responsibility.”
The Swede admitted he has seen this pattern before.
Last season’s 14-game winless run derailed a promising campaign, ended hopes of a title push and saw Aberdeen slip from third to fifth.
“The problem is how we are losing these games,” he added.
“We have to drop our egos and play with far more team spirit - for your team-mates, for the fans who travel, and for the club. Right now, that’s not good enough.”
It is difficult to argue with Thelin’s assessment.
On paper, Aberdeen’s squad looks far stronger than recent performances suggest. In reality, they are playing well below their potential.
Highly rated summer arrivals have failed to deliver consistently.
Adil Aouchiche has faded, Jesper Karlsson has struggled to adapt, and goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov has made costly mistakes.
Leighton Clarkson has slipped out of contention, while Kevin Nisbet looks a long way from the striker once knocking on the Scotland door.
“Football is so much more than tactical strategy or technique,” Thelin stressed.
“It’s passion. It’s the desire to win a game or a competition.”
For many supporters, the question is no longer about formations or systems.
It is far simpler - and far more worrying.
Where is the hunger that once defined this Aberdeen side?
