Brian Barry-Murphy gave his post-match reaction to Dale’s defeat at Sunderland last night.
Three first half goals gave the hosts a commanding position at the interval, with work for Dale to do in the second half.
Despite a better second period, Barry-Murphy was disappointed his side couldn’t replicate a similar performance to that which drew at Doncaster on Saturday.
“I knew it was a difficult place to come," said the Dale boss.
“Without disrespecting Sunderland, we didn’t produce a performance like we have in recent weeks. As good as we were at Doncaster we just couldn’t get anywhere near those heights.
“Irrespective of who the opposition were we would have struggled with that performance.
“We couldn’t find the intensity required to play at the speed we did on Saturday.
“Whether that is a physical result of what we put in on Saturday, I’m not sure. We weren’t as good with or without the ball and, as a result, Sunderland scored those goals.
“The lads have been brilliant over the last five or six weeks. This was just a game too far for us and we will be analysing for whatever reason that was.
“In simplistic terms we just weren’t good enough, individually and collectively. We had a lot of players who were nowhere near the level of performance from Saturday.
“We just couldn’t withhold Sunderland’s pressure as a result."
Rhys Norrington-Davies had to be replaced in the first half through injury.
Ollie Rathbone was withdrawn from the squad through precaution, after grabbing Saturday’s equaliser at Doncaster.
Barry-Murphy says both injuries look minor, with positive signs ahead of Saturday’s game against Tranmere Rovers.
He added: “We think Rhys just suffered a dead leg. It was a heavy challenge but nothing major.
“Ollie received a heavy challenge before he scored at Doncaster – clashed knees.
“Hopefully it is very minor and he was touch and go for tonight. So he should be available for Saturday.
“We are looking forward to another home match on Saturday. We have been playing really well and got a great victory against Shrewsbury in our last game there.
“We have bounced back from much more difficult situation this season and we will try to do that on Saturday.”