Paul Heckingbottom hopes the prospects of an FA Cup quarter-final this weekend galvanises Sheffield United's “emotional and angry” stars.
The Blades were thumped 5-0 at Leicester on Sunday in their first game since popular boss Chris Wilder left.
It threw the visitors' dressing room into turmoil as the players were loyal to Wilder who had led the club into the Premier League from League One since taking charge in 2016.
Now Sheffield United are unquestionably heading back into the Championship.
But caretaker Heckingbottom, promoted from his U23 role at short notice, hopes a last eight tie at Chelsea on Sunday can inspire the shell-shocked Blades.
After the Blades' biggest League loss in 21 years, Heckingbottom said: “It is emotional dressing room.
"There is anger at the performance.
“It has topped off a really difficult week for a lot of people.
“It is a tough time.
“Chris was the leader on the daily basis and someone who has shared a lot of success.
“It is the end of all that.
“Leicester were ruthless and the week has taken its toll.
“In the short term we have an FA Cup quarter-final which is ideal for the players.
“What an opportunity.
“It is a great game to have after the week they have had.
“Those opportunities don't come around very often and they have to grasp that.
“I can't let them feel sorry for themselves.”
Heckingbottom claims he only found out he was taking the game less than 24 hours before kick off.
Heckingbottom, in charge until the end of the season, added: “I didn't know I was doing the game until Saturday night when I got the green light.”
