Steve Borthwick admitted his Leicester Tigers squad must improve their composure after too many "missed opportunities" saw them go down to Northampton Saints at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in Round 17 of the Gallagher Premiership campaign.
Speaking post-match, the Tigers head coach said: "We had opportunities and didn’t take them. We need to make sure we don’t repeat that moving forward.
"Composure is something we have to learn ... in high pressure moments we need to be more composed."
While his side have suffered successive Premiership defeats in recent weeks, Borthwick believes there are positive signs in the performances as the club looks to change bad habits.
"We’ve had tight results and we need to turn those close defeats into wins," he said.
"It is part of our evolution as a team. We’re trying to change that habit of being a team who loses tight games to winning tight games.
"Northampton a team sitting in fifth place, Bath are a semi-final side from last season, we have shown we can compete with very good teams."
Saints moved into the lead in the 11th minute of the Premiership fixture, the 246th in the East Midlands rivals history, and - despite a late charge from Tigers - held on to record the victory.
"If you turn over the ball eight times in their 22, it tells the story."
As well as composure, the Tigers head coach believes his side must improve their conversion rate after turning over possession several times deep inside the attacking half.
"Look, you have to pay credit to the opposition today as well, they defended resolutely," Borthwick said.
"If you turn over the ball eight times in their 22, it tells the story."
Leicester now turn their attention to Ulster Rugby, who the Tigers welcome to Mattioli Woods Welford Road next Friday in the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup.
