Ex-Wales captain Ieuan Evans says the struggling Ospreys are shooting themselves in the foot after the 11-18 league defeat to Leinster in Swansea.
"I've no problem with them following their own style, but so many of their wounds are self-inflicted," he said.
"Neither Ulster nor Leinster had to do much to win [in Swansea]."
Ospreys director of coaching Scott Johnson took full responsibility for another poor showing, saying: "The buck stops with me, end of story."
Former Wales and United States coach Johnson arrived at the Liberty Stadium in April on a three-year deal and he now has a fully hands-on role, with coaches Sean Holley and Jonathan Humphreys underneath him.
Scrum V analyse the Ospreys defeat
A hard-fought opening-day victory in Connacht was followed by a hugely disappointing 16-20 home defeat to struggling Ulster, and now the latest loss to Heineken Cup champions Leinster.
The lack of direction that has been evident at the Ospreys in recent seasons was again on show, and in successive weeks the side has left the pitch to the boos of crowds of only 7,000.
Johnson stressed in midweek that the Ospreys are trying to grow their own identity and culture, even if it conflicts with the direction taken by Wales.
But there was little improvement on Friday, despite the return of Lions stars like Lee Byrne, Shane Williams and Alun Wyn Jones.
"They can't develop a pattern off slow ball, and indecision comes off the back of that," Evans told BBC Wales' Scrum V rugby programme.
Former Wales and Swansea number eight Stuart Davies added: "Pressure is growing and the frustration of fans is growing.
"They didn't get the win and there was no style. There are clearly problems in whatever Scott Johnson is trying to achieve.
"He's talked about the identity that they are searching for...the problems are out there on the field.
"He would like to think that they can put it right but it's surprising that he isn't there already."
Johnson offered few excuses for his side's failure, but says he believes they will get things right.
We're not there yet, but hopefully we'll be there sometime - and sometime soon
Scott Johnson
"I've said to the players that the effort was an 'A', but execution and option taking - I don't know if there's a low enough ranking," said the Australian.
"We've let ourselves down and it was bitterly disappointing.
"The effort was far better than last week and there was plenty of endeavour and bravery.
"But there's only one place to look and that's in the mirror."
He added: "We got two yellow cards...there's no excuses with regard to that. Only us as a group can fix [that].
"We're not there yet, but hopefully we'll be there sometime - and sometime soon.
"We haven't got a lot of time to get it right. We are getting closer and we're getting all the boys back that we want.
There is no Gavin Henson in the Ospreys' 38-man Heineken Cup squad
"We need them on song and to keep working with them."
Meanwhile, the Ospreys have named their extended 38-man Heineken Cup squad, and there is no place for Gavin Henson who remains on indefinite unpaid leave.
Wales and Lions prop Adam Jones is included, although he is not expected to be back in action until the new year.
Schoolboy Tom Prydie also wins a spot, but there is no place for scrum-half Liam Davies, who was brought back to Wales from Brive in the summer.
Ospreys Heineken Cup squad: Paul James, Adam Jones, Duncan Jones, Ryan Bevington, Cai Griffiths, Ross Davies, Craig Mitchell, Huw Bennett, Richard Hibbard, Ed Shervington, Ian Evans, Ian Gough, Andy Lloyd, Alun Wyn Jones, Jerry Collins, Tom Smith, Jonathan Thomas, Steve Tandy, Ben Lewis, Marty Holah, Filo Tiatia, Ryan Jones (capt); Mike Phillips, Jamie Nutbrown, Tom Isaacs, James Hook, Dan Biggar, Andrew Bishop, Jonathan Spratt, Gareth Owen, Sonny Parker, Ashley Beck, Tommy Bowe, Shane Williams, Nikki Walker, Tom Prydie, Lee Byrne, Barry Davies.
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