Newcastle United interim manager Joe Kinnear feels his first task on taking charge at St James' Park is to improve team spirit.
Kinnear, 61, helped nurture a strong bond between the players during his time as Wimbledon boss and believes a similar touch is required on Tyneside.
"Some of the players are lacking in confidence and the input in some is lacking," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"We need to start clearing the air. We can't brush things under the carpet."
The former Nottingham Forest manager watched Saturday's 2-1 loss to Blackburn from the stands but made a visit to the dressing room at half-time to see the players.
Kinnear felt the move was important in his relationship with the players he has inherited, and was pleased with the response he received.
"I couldn't sit there. It would have been easy for me to walk in on Monday morning and start my career that way," he said.
"I wanted to be here and see what I was taking on. I went in, introduced myself and said what I wanted to say.
"We'll have a minor shake-up and let people know how important it is to be really professional when we're on the pitch."
The Magpies currently lie in the relegation zone, having lost their last four league games.
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