Skipper Rostyn Griffiths says it will take time for Perth Glory to adjust to a new formation and refused to blame the tweak of tactics for their heavy loss to Sydney FC on Saturday night.
Glory boss Kenny Lowe changed to a 3-5-2 formation against the unbeaten Sky Blues, with Aryn Williams, Dino Djulbic and Shane Lowry in the heart of defence.
But despite going in front midway through the first half it didn’t have the desired effect, with Sydney eventually running away with the contest to win 4-1.
Speaking about the change of formation with Fox Sports after the match, Griffiths said: “It’s never easy, that’s what pre-seasons are for.
“We worked on a couple of things, had a few changes in personnel as well and it’s never easy. But there’s no excuses.
“We’ve got to be better. It doesn’t matter what formation you play, if you make mistakes like that it’s going to cost you.
“Sydney are a quality side and they are going to punish you.”
Adam Taggart put Glory in front on 20 minutes after a goalmouth scramble but the lead lasted just 90 seconds before Alex Brosque equalised for the visitors.
Then in an entertaining second half, the Sky Blues were simply more clinical in attack and scored three more times through Filip Holosko, Bobo and Bernie Ibini.
Despite slumping to a second straight defeat at home, Griffiths remains positive heading into the busy festive period.
“I thought there was bright spells of good signs really,” the Glory skipper said.
“We started quite well and surprised them a little bit with a few changes and we kept the ball a little bit better and were a little bit more organised.
But we’ve only just changed into a new formation so it’s going to take a little bit of time and adjustment. I thought the endeavour was a bit better than last week so that’s a positive sign.”
Glory heads to Melbourne next for a clash with Melbourne City on December 27.
