Tigers are third in the table on 49 points after taking only losing bonus points in defeats in the last fortnight by Harlequins and Saracens, who occupy the top two places on 55 and 54 points respectively.
“Things have been a bit tough in the last couple of weeks, but we need to come out fighting again,” said Tigers director of rugby Cockerill.
“We did some good things and played some good stuff last week and this week, but unfortunately we haven’t managed to win those games. Now we have to dust ourselves off and go again.
“We have to keep a positive frame of mind and it is all to play for. There is a lot of rugby to be played yet, teams will takes points off each other and we just have to control what we do, starting against Sale Sharks back at Welford Road on Saturday.
“There is a long way to go yet and a lot to be decided. It is disappointing to lose those two games against teams around us in the table but we are certainly not down-hearted. We’ll put everybody back together for next week and have to get back to winning form. This club and its players will always battle on and give it our best.”
Tigers led 17-6 at half-time against Saracens at Welford Road on Saturday but conceded four tries in the second half before fighting back to claim a point with a last-minute penalty try.
“You have to take your hat off to Saracens, they played exceptionally well in the second half,” said Cockerill.
“We controlled the game in the first half and the score reflected that. We scored two good tries – the second try was outstanding as it came from an attack which started in our own half – and we were on control at 17-6.
“But in the second half, credit to Saracens, they played very well and finished their chances.
“We lost a bit of composure and couldn’t control the ball or field position and Sarries put us under pressure. Fair play to our boys to hang in there and get a point out of the game in the end because that point will be helpful but we were beaten by the better side on the day.
“We made some mistakes and got punished. Hopefully we will be better for the experience. Sometimes you just have to take it and come back again.”
Tigers are back on home soil for a Round 17 fixture against Sale Sharks on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm and tickets are available now.
