Noel Whelan says Leeds United need to bounce back instantly from their defeat against Birmingham City if they are to show promotion credentials.
Blues inflicted a first league defeat of the season on Marcelo Bielsa's men, running out 2-1 winners at Elland Road, though Leeds continue to top the Championship standings.
Leeds, who have won just one of their last five games in all competitions, next travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night and Whelan admits that the display against Birmingham was their worst of the season.
"It was the worst performance of the season, absolutely – it was the first defeat in the Championship, so that run has gone", Whelan said on BBC Radio Leeds.
"But it's about dusting yourself off.
"You've got to look back and find out where it went wrong."
While Whelan is keen for Leeds to learn from their mistakes against Birmingham, he insists the focus must be on bouncing back as sides that get promoted do not have extended dips in form.
"It's about how we respond now.
"It's about getting back to winning ways.
"If you're going to be any kind of contenders for promotion in this league you can only have a blip for one week.
"You've got to get right back at it again", Whelan added.
Leeds have had mixed fortunes at Hillsbrough in recent years, winning two and losing two of their last four visits to the ground.
