Steve Bruce believes that "perseverance" is the only option that will resolve the Joelinton problem at Newcastle United.
The £40million man's barren run went on for another game in the 3-0 defeat to Leicester City with a one on one between Joelinton and Kaspar Schmeichel one of the decisive moments of the game.
Bruce and also tried to play him in different positions, but nothing is coming off for the ex-Hoffenheim man.
Bruce said: "He needed something like that to go in. He has to try to find that confidence from somewhere.
"Last week, I thought he did very, very well in the two performances he played.
"But it was a struggle for everybody today and after missing the big opportunity against a good Leicester team.
"You would hope that you can stick that away and something happen for the lad.
"But we'll keep working away with him and he has to keep persevering."
United's loss to Champions League chasing Leicester makes it three straight defeats in the Premier League over the festive period.
Bruce said: "Well, we've had a bad week, that's for sure, but in a couple of the results we've had individual errors, which is where we've been so good (before).
"From August right the way through to now, defensively we've been rock-solid, especially here and we have to rediscover that to give ourselves a chance."
