Jonas Olsson has refused to throw in the towel on Albion's hopes of avoiding relegation - but has admitted the Baggies now have a mountain to climb if they are to survive the dreaded drop.
The towering Swede was one of only a few players to come out of the dismal 2-0 defeat against Stoke with any credit and has urged his teammates not to dwell on the loss and stay positive as Albion head to Portsmouth on Saturday (KO 3pm).
"We are a long way behind but I am still hoping and believing that we can do it," Olsson declared.
"Let's just hope.
"Everyone will say that we are down but we have to still believe - and we do.
"We know it's going to be tough because this was one three-pointer we really needed.
"But now we just have to go on to Portsmouth and try to beat them instead.
"That's the way it works and it's how you have to think as a player.
"No-one feels as bad as the 20 players and staff sitting in the changing room.
"We are devastated but for us life has to go on.
"There are still seven games and we still have a chance.
"That's the way we have to think.
"I think during the immediate hours after the game you have to be devastated.
"That's a sign that we are all passionate about it and we all do really care.
"But, from today, we have to keep going and keep believing.
"That's the only way to turn it around.
"I still hope and believe.
"People might say that is naive but for me hope is about still believing something is possible even if all the evidence is to the contrary."