David Wagner, the Huddersfield manager, remains defiant over his team tactics after a fifth loss in seven matches, saying there is no way he will change their approach to the Sky Bet Championship.

Wagner made three changes to the Huddersfield line-up for the visit of struggling Wigan Athletic, including dropping striker Nahki Wells to the bench.

The Bermudian is the subject of transfer speculation.

Huddersfield, who have never lost at home to Wigan in the league, ended up losing 2-1 in Monday’s televised game as the visiting side scored both goals against the run of play in each half.

Wells, bought on late in the first half because of a second Huddersfield injury, set up the equaliser with his cross from the left side of the penalty area finding midfielder Aaron Mooy at the far post to convert.

Wells was in the thick of the action as his misdirected pass inside the Wigan half bounced off a Wigan player before a long ball forward sent Yanic Wildschut through to run past the defence and his team’s second goal on the hour.

Huddersfield had two strong penalty claims denied by the referee after that, including one just three minutes later when Wells went over inside the box after appearing to be knocked off balance by a challenge from Luke Garbutt.

Claims for a penalty were also ignored when striker Elias Kachunga was knocked from behind by Stephen Warnock in the 78th minute.

The result leaves Huddersfield in sixth place, holding onto a play-off spot after slipping from top spot following a poor run of form.

“We are disappointed of course, and we need to be more clinical in front of goal,” Wagner said. “We played some good stuff, and we should have had one, if not two penalties. We brought our identity to the grass, played with speed and created good moments. Of course, we had some problems in defending their counters, but all in all it was a good game from my side. Unfortunately, we didn’t get some decisions, but we have to accept this and go forward to the next game.”

Huddersfield are now nine points out of the second automatic promotion spot after their seventh league loss. They are away to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.