Brentford Development Squad Manager Lee Carsley said the Under-21 Professional Development League Two South defeat to Swansea City was a good experience for his players, despite the result.
The Bees were beaten 4-1 in the pouring rain in South Wales on Monday night.
The Swansea team featured England international Jonjo Shelvey, Swedish winger Modou Barrow – 24 hours after appearing in the Premier League against Arsenal, and First Team squad members Josh Sheehan, Adam King and Rory Donnelly.
Shelvey forced James Tarkowski to score and own goal and then put the hosts back in front after Nico Yennaris had smashed in an equaliser.
The home side then scored two more after the break to seal the win.
Lee, speaking after the match, said his team played well at times but he was disappointed with the goals they conceded.
He said his side was inexperienced, with only Tarkowski having played more than 15 senior games, but they would learn.
“It was a good performance at times,” said Lee.
“I was disappointed in the manner we lost the goals.
“There was an own goal and a couple of mistakes at the back.
“We have come to a Premier League club with Premier League players and they have an experienced team out tonight with some outstanding individuals.
“It was a good experience for the lads, playing against that kind of quality.
“I am disappointed not to get a better result but we go again.
“We have a young inexperienced team, apart from a couple of senior players.
“Some of our players have only been in the system for a couple of years.
“Swansea are a Premier League club recruiting Premier League players and wanting to be a Category One Academy.
“It is where we are at and we want to be better.”
Swansea’s first goal came when Shelvey weaved his way through and Tarkowski’s attempt to tackle ended up in his own net.
Yennaris lashed in from 25 yards to equalise but Shelvey worked a short corner and smashed home before half time to put Swansea back on front.
The home side’s third came just after half time and the fourth was put in later in the evening after a corner was half cleared.
Lee said his side were quick to lose belief when things went against them.
He said one of his jobs was to build their confidence.
“I have noticed in the couple of weeks I have been here is that the players are quick to lose belief in what they are doing,” said Lee.
“The confidence and courage to keep playing can go, as well as wanting to spend more time on the ball.
“It is easier said than done but I am working with them.
“We are at a development level; I will go through every individual’s touches and give feedback.
“Every goal conceded can be broken down but we want to help them in the future.”
Lee said Brentford were trying to emulate Swansea in the way they played but The Bees could not match the level of players the Welsh outfit could put out on the night.
He said Brentford’s First Team had found a way to play against teams like Swansea and win games and that should inspire younger players.
“Swansea have a good system and we try to play in a similar way,” said Lee.
“When you have Jonjo Shelvey, international strikers and wingers that cost money there is quality in key positions.
“That was the difference tonight.
“We have to work harder.
“We don’t dwell on results; we want to perform better next game.
“Swansea kept the ball better than us.
“We gave the ball away a lot tonight when under not much pressure.
“We knew Swansea would press the ball but if you beat the first press they would be open.
“You need quality to take a touch and find a spare man.
“Our First Team do it now and it has to inspire our lads.
“These players have to make sure they are part of it.”
Brentford lost two players – Raphaël Calvet and Paris Bateman – to injury in the first half but Tarkowski and Yennaris both played the full match.
“Two players suffered dead legs,” said Lee
“Raphaël got his almost from kick off and Paris was not long after.
“To lose a centre half after five minutes is not ideal but it gave Kieran Morris a chance.
“There were also positives - Nico came through 90 minutes, Tarky played 90 minutes.”
Lee has been in position for three weeks and send he was learning every day.
He said he had been to the Club’s indoor facility, at Uxbridge High School, and had seen good players at younger age groups.
“I am finding out more every day,” said Lee.
“I have spent time at the dome as well.
“I have a grasp of the players in the system from the Under-14 squad to the Under-21s.
“There are a lot of good players in the system.
“We have to make sure they come through.”
Full post-match reaction from Lee Carsley is available here for Bees Player subscribers.