The Reds hosted Central Coast Mariners last Saturday before facing Gold Coast United away on Wednesday, prior to the Phoenix clash.

Coolen, who has criticised the A-League's hectic schedule on several occasions this season, said he felt his players were not ready for Saturday's clash.

"We were a little bit groggy before the game already," Coolen told Fox Sports. "We couldn't train yesterday, so there were some problems.

"To be honest I think my team was not to ready to play another game again but we have to do it. Everybody has to do it.

"We started well in the first-half, a couple of chances, got a bit worse after the last 15 minutes, but we came back well in the second-half and I think we deserved a little bit more than we got today."

Coolen added: "I'm a little bit angry because of the situation we are in because of the schedule. I don't want to use it as an excuse, as everybody has to do it, but one thing is for sure is it's not good."

The Reds boss also revealed young gun Mathew Leckie was rested for the game but he said he was optimistic he'd be fit for next Friday's clash with Melbourne Victory.

"He was coming back from a long injury, he did well in training and the game last week, but we took the decision to give him a rest and build him up for the next couple of training sessions for the next game," Coolen said.

Coolen also said he was hopeful defender Rob Cornthwaite would return to face Victory, but was less optimistic about Cassio who went off in the first-half against Wellington.