Harlee Dean called on Brentford to be more savvy, especially when they are looking to push forward.
The Bees suffered a 4-2 reverse against Preston and it was the same old story away from home as a poor spell resulted in conceding two quick goals.
Tom Field had given Brentford the lead but an Aiden McGeady brace plus strikes from Callum Robinson and Daryl Horgan put the Lilywhites 4-1 up with Maxime Colin's late strike a mere consolation.
Dean said: “It's just not good enough from us. We've performed twice against two top teams and then do this again away.
“We've got to play the game the way it's supposed to be played. That's not just looking nice with tippy tappy football. We need to slow teams down when they are on the front foot.”
Dean was out of position after Brentford went 3-1 down as he was looking to drive his team forward in a bid to find a way back into the game but Preston capitalised to make it 4-1 and seal the win.
He added: “That's what I mean by savvy. People have to realise I'm pushing forward and have to cover.
“There are situations where players are not talking, bumping into each other and they're getting in one on one.
“It was embarrassing today and none of us can hold our heads up and say we've done well because we haven't.
“We're controlling the ball on the edge of their box, they break and it's five v three, five v two. I think it's a bit of naivety, lack of discipline and it's not good enough.”
Field's goal appeared to have been the result of slack Preston marking but Dean revealed it was a strategy Brentford have been working on at their Jersey Road training ground.
The captain revealed: “It's brilliant. It was a routine we worked on. I thought they'd expect me to go but I stayed and blocked his man.
“He connected with it beautifully and it was a great ball from Jota. It's one of our set piece routines.”
