An unusually emotional Vitezslav Lavicka has blasted his side's defensive effort as 'embarrassing' as Sydney FC crashed out of the top six following a 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Newcastle Jets on Sunday.
The Sky Blues trailed 3-0 at half-time and pulled two goals back in the second half before opening up again at the death.
It was one of the heaviest defeats in the club's history in a week in which Lavicka announced his three-year reign as coach would end at season finish.
"I have to say how we defended as a team, especially the first half, was embarrassing," he said.
"Before the game we knew how important this game was for us and our opponents as well."
"It's a big disappointment."
Skipper Terry McFlynn didn't hide from the performance or attempt to make excuses.
But he was stunned at the end result, which sent the Sky Blues tumbling down to seventh spot.
"It really hurts to be honest. To go in 3-0 down at home, embarrassing is the word we used at half-time," the captain said.
"You should never be 3-0 down at home. You talk about character and pride and playing for each other and playing for the shirt."
Lavicka refused to concede his decision to leave the club had any bearing on the outcome.
But he did admit he was surprised by his team's lack of commitment and composure at times.
"It (the decision on his future) was a relief for me because every interview one of the questions was asking about my future and now it's all clear," he explained.
"But to be honest I expected a bit different response tonight."
"But that's football, we don't give up. We have seven games to go. It means 21 points to go and we still have belief."
McFlynn added: "We can't let it damage us too much psychologically."
"We've got a big game next Saturday night against Perth and we've got to get it right."
"I think we can turn it around."