Dean Smith blasted his Brentford side after their 3-1 Carabao Cup third round defeat to Norwich on Tuesday night.
A Mario Vrancic double and Josh Murphy’s chip saw Daniel Farke’s men open a up a 3-0 lead at Griffin Park.
Josh Clarke fired in a stoppage time consolation for Brentford, who also missed a penalty through Yoann Barbet.
Smith made seven changes to the side which drew 1-1 with Reading on Saturday, although the Bees boss insists this was not the reason for his side’s lacklustre showing.
“Everything that worked during pre-season and this season disappeared," he said. "It wasn't good enough but that's the first time I've said that this season.”
READ MORE: Brentford gear up for Carabao Cup showdown with Norwich
“The fact that Ilias Chatzitheodoridis and Theo Archibald, two of the younger players in the squad, stood out was a reflection on how the experienced pros performed.
“Our retention of the ball was poor. Our reaction to second balls were poor in the second half.
“People have to take responsibility out there. I'll take responsibility for the selection and performance.
“We can talk about if the penalty going in; it becomes a different game. They get another soft free-kick and what I expect from my players is a reaction.
“I look back at team selection but it was the right selection at the right time as we've got seven games in a month and Saturday [against Bolton] is important for us.”
READ MORE: Brentford boss Dean Smith calls for optimism after Sheffield Wednesday defeat
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