Brentford Manager Uwe Rösler said too many of his players did not perform well enough in their 0-0 draw against Carlisle United yesterday.
The Bees played more than half an hour with ten men but still dominated against Carlisle without finding a way to win.
Uwe said Carlisle played in the way he expected but the signing of central defender Troy Archibald-Henville on Friday afternoon had altered things.
Tony Craig was sent off in the second half for denying, in the opinion of referee Dave Phillips, David Amoo a clear goal scoring opportunity.
Brentford held the upper hand despite playing with a man down and Toumani Diagouraga had a goal ruled out.
Uwe said that goal should have stood but his side lack mobility and energy in the first half despite most of them being rested for the Capital One Cup tie against Derby County on Tuesday while the majority of Carlisle’s team played against Leicester City in the same competition.
The Brentford Manager said he was happy with the second half but only five of his players had performed to the required level yesterday.
“Carlisle did everything we expected,” said Uwe.
“They came out with the same players in the same formation.
“We didn’t expect they would get a centre half in at the last minute.
“We prepared for a certain way of play and it changed.
“We gave the first 45 minutes away.
“We looked nervous.
“We lack mobility, energy, movement off the ball, opportunities to play.
“Eight or nine players sat at home on Tuesday when Carlisle’s players were playing a tough game.
“We should have been at a physical advantage but you couldn’t see that in the first half.
“I was happy with the second half.
“With ten men we looked the better team, you could see how fit the players are.
“They passed the ball quickly and there was a tempo.
“Overall of the 14 players who participated, five performed, that is not enough to win a game in our league.”
Referee Phillips booked six players and sent off Tony Craig and Uwe said early bookings had made life difficult for everyone.
The Brentford Manager said his team were lethargic in the first period but he felt they deserved the win for the way they played in the second.
“On many occasions, the referee could have let the game flow more,” said Uwe.
“The referee made it difficult for himself and the players by giving one or two yellow cards too early.
“Throughout the second half, ten v 11 we would have deserved the win.
“We went for it, we played 4-3-2, we didn’t play 4-4-1 and wait for our destiny.
“I have no complaints with the second half.
“We were lethargic and slow in the first half; we had no confidence or penetration.
“We have to ask the players why.”
Tony Craig was sent off when David Amoo robbed Scott Barron and got away from the left back.
The central defender brought him down and was sent off.
Uwe said he had no complaints about that but was unhappy a Toumani Diagouraga goal, scored from a corner when Carlisle goalkeeper Mark Gillespie dropped the ball under pressure from Clayton Donaldson, should have stood.
“No complaints about the sending off,” said Uwe.
“There was a bad mistake in the first place, with the touch.
“Maybe he should have stayed on his feet.
“I have seen it on DVD, it was a red card.
“He will miss one game.
“I strongly disagree with the decision to disallow the goal.
“I have watched it on DVD.
“Clayton came to the side of the goalkeeper, he couldn’t see him.
“The goalkeeper struggled with the sun and Clayton out jumped him.
“He did not touch him.
“He had his elbow up but there was no contact.
“It was a clear goal for us.
“That was definitely the wrong decision.”
Uwe said Will Grigg had trained just once after recovering from a hamstring injury before coming on at half time against Carlisle and now had another knock.
The striker is due to link up with the Northern Ireland international squad this week.
The Brentford Manager added players would be joining The Bees before the transfer window closed at 11pm on Monday, September 2.
“Will has just recovered from injury,” said Uwe.
“He had one training session, on Friday.
“I did not want to use him today but I saw the first half it was needed.
“He came on and we had more movement.
“He got a knock again and couldn’t move for the last ten minutes.
“He is a bit unlucky at the moment.
Full post-match reaction from Uwe Rösler is available here for Bees Player subscribers.