When asked if he could pinpoint positive aspects to what he is seeing, the boss went into specifics by explaining how the centre-backs are key to making his system work.
"In the small things in our game, I see improvement," he explained. "It's hard to see but I see it.
"I think we are improving in the last two games [before Real Sociedad], for example, the way we have possession. Our central defenders are playing in a different way, more confident.
"And, if they play well, our team will play better. I think some players are improving individually. Josh, I think is improving, in changing, a little bit, the position.
"We are trying to find a better space for Bruno but sometimes you want him, yes, everywhere as he's really important for us.
"Even against Ipswich, we suffered a goal and we continued to play the same way and I feel, in these small details, I feel that the team believes a little bit more. The rest, I think, it's hard to see things in this season. It's more here in Carrington, the way we are training, the intensity, and we are trying to find a way to improve the team."