Dean Richards accepts Grenoble have left themselves with a massive task in the European Challenge Cup quarter-final Second Leg match in Connacht on Saturday after throwing away a 21- 3 lead in the home First Leg fixture.
Connacht go into the Second Leg with a valuable five-point advantage with Richards declaring: "I am hugely disappointed to have lost at home.
"We didn't have a full side out but I felt that the team we did select was strong enough to win the match."
Richards believes the longer Christmas break has had a negative effect on his team's ability to focus on the task in hand - but is still positive about the team's chances for the return.
"Although it is always harder for a French team to win away, I believe the game is still there for the taking," said the former Lions, England and Leicester No 8 legend.
Grenoble have suffered a punishing injury list and with three hookers and two No 8s out of action the strength in depth of the squad is certainly being tested.
"We are having a very tough season," said Richards. "Grenoble simply do not have the depth or quality of squad of some of the other European clubs in this competition and we are having to work very hard to get victories.
"Assuming some of our injured players return to the squad this week, we have a chance to turn things around.
"We're taking the competition very seriously and the opportunity for a place in next year's Heineken Cup is one we want to pursue."
