The Reds have lost three matches in a row and four of their past five games, which sees their grip on second spot become less firm.

"We know we have a bad period at the moment," Coolen said. "We have some problems.

"When you see this game we controlled a lot of moments in this game. It wasn't a fantastic game, but it wasn't necessary to lose.

"We made a mistake in the middle and they scored the first goal. The second goal came happen from a corner.

Coolen added: "Our organisation was okay but not good enough to win the game.

"It wasn't necessary to lose the game again but we were not good enough to win it and that's something we have to work on because at the moment we are not in a good situation."

Coolen continued: "In a game like today, you maybe get two or three opportunities and at those moments you have to score."

Reds midfielder Adam Hughes said: "We got ourselves into a place earlier in the season which was good, dropped off a little bit now, but we've got to pick that up again now and make sure we come back into a little bit of form towards the end of the season.

"We won't be able to pick up the three points unless we pick up our game and work a little harder."

Adelaide's next match is at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday against Sydney FC.