Cliftonville manager Jim McGilton revealed it took “tough conversations” in the home dressing room at half-time for his side to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 4-2 victory against Glenavon.
The Reds' victory at Solitude on Saturday moved them past Linfield into second place in the Premiership.
“The players this year were great, but we weren't up to that standard,” Magilton said.
“Everything we’ve gotten so much credit for is because we were bad at it.”
James Doona put Glenavon ahead in the final minutes of the first half, but two goals from Rory Hale and Sam Ashford put North Belfast Reds ahead in the first three minutes of the second half.
Matthew Snoddy's strike brought Lurgan Blues level, but Joe Gormley's double (the first a penalty, the second a superb lob) secured McGilton's side the three points and an unbeaten record in all competitions. extended to 16 games.
“The lethargic Reds needed adjustments.”
“They are [the players] definitely needed it [a rollicking] today. they were very lethargic. We've had to recalibrate and have some very tough conversations about the standards we've set,” the Reds manager explained on BBC Sounds' Sportsound.
“It reminded us that we have to play with more intensity, we have to get closer to people, we have to pass the ball better.
“Having said that, you have to give credit to your opponents. I thought Glenavon were really outstanding. They passed the ball really well but we didn't deal with it very well. Getting out of the blocks. I thought it was very slow, but they took advantage of it.”
“If you give good players time and space to hold the ball, they're going to hurt you. I thought it was well deserved that they led 1-0 at half-time. ”
“Once we had those conversations, we changed our shape and were able to get up high up the pitch and move the ball really well, scoring two great goals and then conceding a really poor goal.
“You want to finish the game even if it's 3-2. Joe was very bright. It was a great finish.” [for the fourth goal] From a great player.
“We found a way, but it all depends on the character and resilience of the players.
“We should enjoy the first game at Linfield.”
The result leaves Cliftonville one point ahead of Linfield in league play, with both teams set to play an important clash at Solitude on Tuesday night.
The Reds have lost both of their previous league games against David Healy's side this season.
“We have to play better for 90 minutes or we're going to get punished by a very good team,” McGilton said of the meeting in the middle of next week.
“We're in this position because our players have a great level of consistency and a top-notch approach to their job, so Tuesday night is a game we should enjoy.”