Former Newcastle United striker Craig Bellamy believes the Magpies possess the quality to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
However, the former Wales international has questioned the team's mentality and fears a number of players are not 'enjoying' their football on Tyneside.
Steve Bruce's side extended their winless run in all competitions to 11 matches following the home defeat to Leeds United on Tuesday night.
It was an improved second-half showing from the Magpies, but the newly-promoted visitors still managed to record the double over United.
This run of form combined with the poor performances has increased the pressure on Bruce, with fans and pundits alike admitting Newcastle have been dragged into a relegation battle.
Bellamy believes his former club have the players at their disposal to claw themselves clear of danger.
But the 41-year-old has questioned the tactical approach from Bruce's side, and believes the defensive mindset has made it difficult for the Magpies to beat teams towards the bottom of the table.
Bellamy told talkSPORT: "They've got enough players to survive, they have enough quality.
"It's what you do against the teams in and around you. I'm not a huge fan of teams having so much of the ball, there's only one football out there and you want to dominate that ball.
"They sit back a lot and maybe Steve Bruce with his experience feels that's the best way to go about it against teams he feels are better than his.
"But my concern is how do you turn it around then when you want to have a lot of the ball against teams you feel you're better than, when the players are so used to sitting back?
"You have to change your mentality very quickly, and you need a certain group of players to be able to do that.
"Why do we play this game? We didn't play as young kids to watch the other players have the ball and just defend deep.
"It just looks to me that some of the players at the present moment don't seem to be enjoying it. You need to change that quick."
ChronicleLive understands Bruce's future at St James' Park is not under immediate threat, with plans in place for the 60-year-old to remain until at least the end of the season.
Newcastle confirmed the addition of Graeme Jones to Bruce's backroom staff on Wednesday, with the former Bournemouth coach taking the title of "assistant head coach".
Bellamy praised the decision to recruit Jones - who has also enjoyed spells working alongside Roberto Martinez at Belgium and Wigan Athletic - and reckons the 50-year-old can only improve the Magpies.
The former striker added: "He can only improve them at this present moment. A different voice, and he's actually a very good coach.
"I honestly believe he will help in that position and the way performances have been of late, he will help."
