Newcastle fullback Kieran Trippier felt injuries took their toll after defeat at Bournemouth.
Trippier concedes they're undermanned.
He said: "Yeah it was obviously frustrating. We weren't ourselves. We were way off it and Bournemouth deserved the win.
"They are a good side. We knew it would be tough coming here. We tried to play our way under the circumstances - but there's no excuses.
"That's the reality. We wanted to play Champions League football and in every competition. This is what we want. We've lost a lot of players but this is when we need to stand up and give even more. The international break has come at a good time for us.
"We fell into their traps and made it like a basketball game. We needed to stamp our authority. We need to come back with a clear mind for Chelsea in the Premier League.
"It's a great experience for the young lads. We will need everyone. They have trained well, handled themselves well and we will need that.
"We have a few weeks for the lads who are injured to get fit again. It's the perfect time [for the international break].
"The fans are emotional, they have travelled a long way. I had a chat with one of them, saying we are giving everything and there's no need to panic. We got beat and we apologise for that result but the lads are giving everything."