Alan Judge said Brentford’s performance in their Sky Bet League One defeat to Rotherham United “wasn’t good enough”.
The Bees lost 3-0 to Rotherham last night on their first visit to The New York Stadium.
Kieran Agard scored two first half goals and substitute Haris Vuckic put the game out of Brentford’s reach with a third late on.
Alan, speaking to Bees Player after the match, did not offer excuses.
He said Rotherham were better than Brentford “in every way”.
“It wasn’t good enough,” said the attacking midfield player.
“That is it really.
“They were better than us in every way.
“It is not usual for us to be outgunned and outplayed like that.
“They deserved the win tonight, they were better than us.
“I don’t think we can complain in any way.
“They were just better than us.
“I don’t think they wanted it more than us but they got to the balls first, got to the second balls first and went from there.”
The first goal came when Alan conceded a penalty.
James Tavernier got away down the right and cut inside, Alan left a leg hanging and the right back went over it.
On the advice of his assistant, referee Geoff Eltringham decided the offence was just inside the penalty area and pointed to the spot.
Alan did not dispute the foul, or his culpability, but questioned where the foul was committed.
He said Rotherham deserved credit for the way they played, using striker Alex Revell to play off and moving the ball incisively in attack.
“We spoke in the dressing room and said we were too safe with the ball in the first 20 minutes,” said Alan.
“We didn’t penetrate them enough and let them get in to their shape.
“I gave away a stupid penalty.
“Maybe it was outside the box.
“The referee initially signalled for a free kick and wasn’t sure what he was giving.
“The linesman gave it but it was a lazy challenge from me.
“We knew their game plan.
“Alex Revell is a good striker and he held the ball up well.
“I don’t think they passed the ball at all at the back but when they got it up front they moved it sharply around the final third.
“All credit to them.”
Brentford did have a decent spell in the second half and came close to scoring when a Jonathan Douglas header was saved.
Alan said it might have been different if The Bees had scored at that point but admitted they did not attack well enough overall.
“We might not have been on our game but we did get one or two chances,” he said.
“We were unlucky with the header from Jonathan Douglas but we just didn’t click tonight.
“There is nothing more to say.
“We had a few shots and crosses and if we had scored when we were on top it might have been different.
“We didn’t penetrate them enough and should have made our passing count.”
When Brentford were last beaten – by Wolverhampton Wanderers – they took 13 points from the next 15.
Alan said The Bees knew they could respond to defeat and were looking forward to upcoming games away to Oldham Athletic and Sheffield United.
“We knew we are better than that,” he said.
“We don’t want to take anything away from Rotherham, they deserved it, they were better than us.
“But that wasn’t us.
“We have to make sure we come back and get another run going.
“Oldham won’t be an easy one, neither will Sheffield United.
“We are taking each game as it comes and taking nothing for granted.
“The only real positive is that we know we have come back from this before.
“That wasn’t the usual Brentford.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Alan Judge here.