Rome, Sep 21 (IANS): Inter Milan coach Gian Piero Gasperini confessed that his side's defeat at Novara was "a big slap in the face" in his career.

The coach has now lost three and drawn one of his official games in charge, falling 3-1 at the Stadio Silvio Piola.

"This was a terrible performance. We thought we could play in a more attacking way, but every time we tried to push forward, we were embarrassed at the back," Gasperini was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

"We have got to be more humble on the field. The players are disappointed, as everyone is, because we were convinced we could put in a good performance and turn our season around."

"It is evident we struggle when chasing our opponents, as we have done better when numerous in midfield. I hope the future will be different, but it depends on fitness, enthusiasm and other situations.

"I put an extra striker on compared to the Roma game, but we had more problems. I gain strength from my work, which has given me a lot of satisfaction for many years.

"Right now I am in a difficult situation and I have to emerge from it," he said.