Brentford Development Squad Manager Jon De Souza called for more inventiveness in attack after watching his side lose to Crystal Palace.
The Bees were beaten 2-1 in an Under-21 Professional Development League Two South match at Griffin Park on Tuesday afternoon.
It was their third league defeat in a row after losses to Cardiff City and Queens Park Rangers.
The Bees took the lead in the first half when Will Grigg capitalised on a defensive error to cross for Martin Fillo to score.
But Palace equalised soon after when Connor Dymond headed home a corner from close range and then won the game with a long range goal from Ibra Sekajja.
Jon, speaking to Bees Player after the match, said The Bees were the better team but did not create enough.
He said his side were too predictable and Palace were able to sit deep and hold on to their lead.
He said Manager Uwe Rösler and everyone at the Club wanted players to express themselves and he had to make them believe it.
“I was disappointed overall,” said Jon.
“Although we were the better team we didn’t really create chances.
“In past games, despite the results, I felt we have created chances.
“Today the passing was a bit slow; we dominated the game but passed it slowly.
“We were predictable and didn’t open them up, especially in wide areas.
“We didn’t have enough quality with our crossing or passing in to the box.
“I want players to express themselves in the final third, and I know that is what our manager wants.
“Be safe in your own half, but in the final third I want bright attacking players to try things, try and break teams down.
“They were happy to protect their lead.
“I wanted us to be more inventive.
“We have to give them the belief to do it.
“They have to know we won’t criticise if they give the ball away in the final third, we have to try things.
“I want them to know they have the freedom to express themselves.
“The player on the ball has to be bright but if the movement is good the pass can be simple.
“I don’t think we did either enough.”
Jon said he was disappointed with the goals his side conceded, especially the first.
“The first goal was horrendous defending,” he said.
“We set up to defend set pieces like the First Team, we mark zonally and try to protect around the goal.
“We have given them a free header inside the six yard box.
“It was horrendous.
“I told the players at half time our risk of them scoring a second was when we gave the football away.
“When we overcommit they can hit us on the counter.
“That’s what they did but you have to credit the finish.
“I was disappointed with both goals.”
Brentford have seven points from six games in the Under-21 Professional Development League Two South this season.
They are 11 points behind leaders Cardiff City, who have played a game more, and five behind QPR and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Last year The Bees finished fourth in the table, four points behind the top two, Charlton Athletic and Cardiff, and two behind Brighton.
Jon said performances and development were just as important as results so the table should not be considered the be all and end all.
He said the squad was younger this season and two of the more experienced members – Emmanuel Oyeleke and Luke Norris – were out on loan as it was better for them.
“We have loaned a couple of players out this year,” he said.
“Last year we kept the majority as we felt that was the right thing for their development.
“This year we feel one or two aren’t quite ready for the First Team but have proved themselves at this level, they are out on loan.
“We are a bit younger too.
“The results are important but we look at performance and development too.
“Today I was relatively pleased but we need more.
“Our desire to push those players on has affected our results.”
Luke is with Northampton Town and has scored three goals in four Sky Bet League Two matches.
Jon said he would learn a lot from being with the team currently bottom of the Football League and having to produce.
He added Emmanuel – known as Manny – was doing well at Aldershot Town, where he has been since August, and it was hoped more players would go out on loan soon.
“It has been a good education for Luke, playing League Two football,” said Jon.
“The education in the last three or four weeks at Northampton will far surpass what he has learnt from us.
“He is in a pressurised environment and has to do well.
“I have been really pleased, he has scored goals and the feedback is good.
“Manny is doing well at Aldershot too.
“Ideally we want to get one or two more out to experience First Team football between now and Christmas.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Jon De Souza here.