Central Coast Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna rates the Kawasaki Frontale side that won 5-0 as the best they have played. The Japanese club demolished the Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium in front of the A-League club's home fans and although McKinna admits to a poor performance he hailed Kawasaki.

"They're probably one of the best teams that we've played, but that's not making an excuse for our poor performance," said McKinna.

"I'm embarrassed, that's the worst result of my coaching career and I'll take responsibility, but each individual player has to look at themselves as well and evaluate themselves.

"Nobody wants to go out and get beat 5-0, I'll never use it as an excuse, but - they were good, we were poor."

McKinna is now realistic about his club's chances of progressing to the round of 16.

"The best we can look at is getting second spot and if we can get to second spot from here it's a great achievement and that's what we have to target now," he added.

"We have to consolidate, try to get a result in Japan and hopefully have an opportunity to progress in the last two games."