Kim Hellberg says he has been impressed by the mental fortitude of his Boro squad after suffering their first defeat since he took over.
Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Bristol City ended a four-match winning run and left Middlesbrough six points behind leaders Coventry.
Hellberg told BBC Radio Tees: "It's easy to be happy and have energy when you win games, it's a challenge when you lose and don't get the result you want.
"This is a very strong group and they have shown me that this week.
"It's about learning and developing from it and using it.