Scarlets eager to kick on in Europe after a poor run of results
- Published
Scarlets have won two from nine league games this season and lost their first two European ties
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel says the players and coaches have gone through some open and honest reviews as they seek to transform their season.
Back-to-back derby defeats rounded off a miserable run of results, with Scarlets currently sitting 13th in the United Rugby Championship.
They return to European action this weekend after a shock defeat to Black Lion last time out.
"The boys are determined to turn it around," said Peel.
"From both sides of the ball there are elements where we need to improve, but we are working hard on that in training and that's what we'll continue to do.
"There are elements of the game that are confidence-based, definitely, and I think that [it is] the lack of confidence at times for us.
"But I would say that the morale and the work ethic that we have in the week is good."
Scarlets will attempt to get their season back on track when they travel to French Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne in the Challenge Cup on Saturday.
Peel came in for further fan criticism on social media after losses to Ospreys and Dragons over the festive period, but he says he still feels he has the backing of the club.
"There's obviously times, as any coach would, when you're not winning, and it's always a difficult period when you reflect, but it's ultimately finding out what you need to improve on and getting that right," Peel told BBC Sport Wales.
"My job here is to get the best of the rugby team and I think that we work hard to do that. I feel like as a group the boys are reacting well.
"We understand that the results haven't been where they need to be, but work ethic and hard work is what will get us out of it."
With news this week that Cardiff scrum-half Tomos Williams has agreed to join Gloucester and Sale showing an interest in team mate Mason Grady, Peel admits he too expects to lose some players over the summer.
"The reality for every region is that numbers are coming down, so ultimately at the end of that there are going to be some casualties and also guys who are looking further afield, that happens every year," said Peel.
"I'm not going to say names but naturally there are going to be people who leave the club this summer, people who join and a few guys will finish their careers as well.
"We have a number of good players around that 23, it's about having the quality around that.
"Experienced players there is a bit of a vacuum, but it's ultimately building for what's coming in the future as well.
"From my end we'll build the best squad available to us with the money we can afford."