Russell Martin rued his side's defensive mistakes against Burnley but admitted Swansea City can still make the Championship play-offs this year.
Ian Maatsen struck twice in the early stages of the meeting between the teams at the Swansea.com Stadium before Ollie Cooper pulled a goal back for the Swans.
But Martin's troops were unable to rescue a point, ensuring they started 2023 with defeat in front of their own supporters. And while the Swansea boss admitted he was pleased with large aspects of his side's display against the league leaders, he was unable to hide his frustration with the defending in the build-up to Maatsen's goals.
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"I'm really proud of the players, I thought we were very good in large parts," said Martin. “But I'm also very frustrated and disappointed that we lose to two such poor goals. It's the same thing isn’t it?
“The difference between the two teams over the course of the season is they make very few mistakes leading to goals and we make too many. That’s what you get with youth and I guess that's the difference with financial power with the players they have.
“But I thought there was very little between the two teams. First 15 minutes we probably paid them a little bit too much respect, but after that, for half an hour, I thought we were outstanding. We caused them all sorts of problems. We should have made more of the good moments we had.
“Steven [Benda] has been brilliant for us. I am sure he will be disappointed with the goals but the lead-up to the free-kick we give away is just ridiculous – we miss a five-yard pass and then it’s a free-kick. The second one, Steve will feel he could have done better but he’ll bounce back, no problem.”
On the race for the top six, Martin commented: "I think we can get into the play-offs, but there'll be 16 or so other managers saying the same thing. I think we'd be mental if we weren't one of them who thought we might be able to affect that. We'll have to wait and see. If we play like we have in the last two games and we give the same mentality, attitude, application and aggression, then I think we've got as good a chance as anyone."
Meanwhile, the head coach remains determined to bolster his squad in January having seen Fin Stevens return to Brentford and Brandon Cooper join Forest Green Rovers on loan. The 36-year-old suggested that Morgan Whittaker will be recalled from his loan spell with Plymouth Argyle while Jamie Paterson and Michael Obafemi could well be sold this month. All in all, the head coach fully expects a manic month in the winter transfer window.
"I love the players we have, they're giving us everything, but we do need a bit of help in this transfer window and I think we'll get that," he added. "It's just so difficult in January to tell you when, where and who. We're in a little bit of a different position now [financially compared to the summer].
"The owners see that we can be very close with the way the players play and the identity of the team. The young men are really growing. I think the owners appreciate they need a tiny bit of help. I think if we get a couple of players in they can really help the group to compete even more."
Armstrong Oko-Flex is yet to be recalled by West Ham United, although the 20-year-old appears destined to have his loan spell with Swansea cut short.
Martin's men return to action against Bristol City in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday. Kick-off at Ashton Gate is at 12.30pm.
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