Wales have lost their last 10 Test matches and are without a Test win since the 2023 World Cup.
Defeat against in-form Autumn Nations Series opponents Australia on Sunday would inflict a record run of bad results on them, eclipsing that of 2002-2003 under Gatland's fellow New Zealander Steve Hansen.
To try and avoid that Gatland has selected flankers James Botham and Jac Morgan among four changes to their side to face Australia in Cardiff.
Ellis Bevan also comes in at scrum-half and Tom Rogers is on the wing with Tomos Williams and Mason Grady both injured.
"We have had honest reviews after last week's match," Gatland said. "There were some things we did well that we are looking to build on, but we need to be more accurate and disciplined especially in key moments."
Asked if he felt there was confidence in his project from employers the Welsh Rugby Union, Gatland said: "I am probably not the person to ask in terms of those questions.
"I have been very clear that I am really comfortable with the decisions we've made.
"We have tried to point out from the outset that we need to go through some pain. I didn't think there would be this much pain, to be honest.
"If a decision is made in terms of what you are talking about, I am more than comfortable with that. I've been around the game for long enough.
"I will probably go back to the beach, have a glass of wine and enjoy myself away from some of the pressure!
Australia won both meetings between the sides in July, but Wales secured a 40-6 victory over the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup in France last year.
"We're expecting an Australia side on a high after their win against England," Gatland said.Â
"They are a much-improved side since the summer and have played a number of Test matches since we last met.
"We know we need to put in an 80-minute performance on Sunday."
Wales team:
15-Cameron Winnett, 14-Tom Rogers, 13-Max Llewellyn, 12-Ben Thomas, 11-Blair Murray, 10-Gareth Anscombe, 9-Ellis Bevan, 8-Aaron Wainwright, 7-Jac Morgan, 6-James Botham, 5-Adam Beard, 4-Will Rowlands, 3-Archie Griffin, 2-Dewi Lake (capt), 1-Gareth Thomas.
Replacements: 16-Ryan Elias, 17-Nicky Smith, 18-Keiron Assiratti, 19-Christ Tshiunza, 20-Tommy Reffell, 21-Rhodri Williams, 22-Sam Costelow, 23-Eddie James.
with PA
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