The Sky Blues remain rooted to the bottom of the table after going down 2-1 at Westpac Stadium on Saturday - their fourth loss in six games.

The match was goalless until Brazilian striker Bruno Cazarine conceded a penalty for pulling the shirt of Chris Greenacre as they jostled for position in the box.

Paul Ifill converted from the spot and although Cazarine made amends with an equaliser in the 67th minute, the visitors were undone by a stunning strike from Nick Ward on his starting debut for the Phoenix.

"I think overall our performance was pretty good. It was definitely better compared to last week," Keller said.

"We all know we're on a losing streak and we're not getting the points and results we expected before the season started.

"We conceded that penalty and it opened the game up but we came back and I don't think we played a bad game or look like a bottom team.

"I'm pretty confident that this team, with the players coming back, there is enough talent and skill in the squad to turn it around."

Keller was not convinced that the penalty was warranted.

"I haven't seen the replay but Bruno told me the other one (Greenacre) was tearing and pulling at his shirt and he pulled at his shirt. It happens all the time," he said.

"Sometimes referees want to show they are here otherwise it's all about the players."

Sydney have the bye this weekend and it could not have come at a better time for the struggling side.

Already without key personnel in Terry McFlynn and Alex Brosque, Nick Carle (toe) joined the casualty list this week but coach Vitezslav Lavicka is hopeful of having the trio back in time for the home game against Gold Coast United on September 26.

"We are missing these players but we don't want to complain. Football is sometimes like this," Lavicka said.

"Now we need to play without them. It's another chance for the younger players to show their quality and character.

"We have a bye now and after that we think Terry McFlynn, Alex Brosque and Nicky Carle will be available and ready to play."