The Reds’ Head Coach spoke to the media following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in Sky Bet League One.
A well hit strike from Randell Williams was the difference between the two sides on a disappointing afternoon at Adams Park.
“We were not in the game from the first minute,” Stendel stated, after the game.
“There is not really an explanation for this performance. We can play so much better. We did not have a high enough tempo to our game and because of this we were not at our highest level.”
The Reds struggled against a resolute Wycombe side who were fresh after an eleven-day break, but the German Head Coach refused to blame tiredness: “My impression was that we were tired, but I don’t know why. The team was fresh.”
He went on to add: “It’s not an excuse for us, not one player played at the level they can normally play at. We needed more power and speed in our attack.”
Wycombe's 55th minute winner was the result of a corner and Stendel said his team had discussed the opposition's ability in this area: “We knew Wycombe would be strong from long balls and set pieces, but we allowed them to score from one.”
He also added: “They closed down our space well and this made it difficult for us.”
Cauley Woodrow came off injured in the 54th minute and but Stendel said after the game: “He injured his calf. We will see how he is next week, and I hope he can play against Portsmouth.”
When asked about next week’s huge game at Oakwell, Stendel was hopeful of a positive response from his squad: “We need to turn it around 100% for next weekend to get a good result against the top of league, but I think we can do it.”
