Rafa Benitez says Newcastle must be united as they attempt to come to terms with being the "head of the mouse" in the Sky Bet Championship.
Newcastle's impressive five-match winning run was brought to an abrupt end on Saturday, with Wolves claiming a surprise 2-0 victory at St James' Park.
The defeat was the Magpies' third this season and Benitez insists his side must learn how to manage games against opposition set up to defend and attack on the break.
"We need to realise we're now the head of the mouse, and not the tail of the lion. It's a Spanish expression," the Newcastle manager said.
"So, when you are in the Premier League, you are the tail of the lion and some people are happy being the tail of the lion, some prefer to be the head of the mouse.
"When you are at the top and strong enough, we want to make sure we are strong enough to be sure that we can manage the games.
"Teams will come against us and wait, so we have to make sure we know what to do every time and, if we make mistakes, we carry on because there are a lot games to play and we need to be consistent in the right way.
"If it's good we can be excited, if it's bad we analyse on what we need to do and improve things quickly."
Newcastle host Wolves once again on Tuesday night, in the third round of the EFL Cup, and Benitez has urged the club's supporters to stay behind the team.
He added: "The team needs the right mentality. Now is the time to realise it's not a parade. We have to work hard in every single game
"We need to be united, like the name of the team. We need the fans to stick with the team."
Benitez also revealed Newcastle will contest the red card picked up by midfielder Vernon Anita in the defeat to Wolves.