Totally disagree and shows in my opinion a complete misunderstanding the psychology of managing footballers - if they believe they are down why the hell would they work their socks off and perhaps more significantly (before the old playing for a contract with another club chestnut) comes out - getting stuck in where they might get hurt.
Sure only one game but the change of attitude was palpable and even managed to lift the crowd to a good vocal level of support.
I believe that you misunderstood my piece; we are almost in complete agreement.
Convince the players that although everyone else believes that they are already down, bring them together with a backs against the wall attitude for the last five/four matches to give it a go. If the players go along with it and it works great but the damage had already been done under the previous regime if not, therefore a free hit for the manager.
The management of the team/squad when faced with 46 games would be slightly different because the up and at them approach would be difficult to maintain for the whole season and his job would be on the line if it goes wrong therefore naturally more cautious.
I am experienced in the intricacies of management of personnel (individually and in groups) in a sporting/competitive environment, especially when the price of failure could be catastrophic. (not saying that this reaches that threshold though)