Wales have lost every Test match of 2024 so far and have not gone an entire calendar year without a win since 1937, when they played just three matches.
That has prompted former players, such as Jamie Roberts, Mike Phillips and Tom Shanklin, to criticise Gatland and in some cases, question his future.
The head coach has tried to divert attention from the players onto himself and Lake admits the challenge is to prevent a young team retreating into their shells amid the weight of expectation.
“We’ve spoken as a group about still trying to enjoy the moment and playing with the shackles off,” said Lake.
“But it is difficult because you can’t help thinking if anything goes wrong, that’s going to come back on me.
“There’s always an edge around camp with boys fighting for places and for every inch.
“Nothing has changed from our work from last week but we need to tighten up our discipline and be more clinical.”
Those have been recurring themes throughout this miserable year for Wales.
