SOUTHEND United manager Sol Campbell was left perplexed by his side’s defending in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat against Burton Albion at Roots Hall.

The struggling Shrimpers have now suffered five defeats in succession.

And Campbell felt Blues were punished for giving away soft goals.

“We let them have their goals and there’s almost a mind block at the back it seems,” said Campbell.

“I just don’t understand why we aren’t in the right positions and why we’re giving teams easy chances.

“We have to have the belief that we can be solid but it’s a mindset really and we will continue to work hard in training.”

The second from bottom Shrimpers have now conceded 82 goals in 33 games this season.

And Campbell was also frustrated by the slow start his side made to the contest.

“We started extremely slowly and we couldn’t get out the blocks which is disappointing,” said Campbell.

“It took a goal for us to wake up and that’s disappointing.

“We were on top after the equaliser but we didn’t take the really good chances we had.

“We have to stick them away and take the game away from Burton really.

“But in the second half we took far too long to get back into the game and they got their goals.”

As a result, Blues are now 15 points from safety with 11 games to go.

And Campbell is keen for his side to play with more freedom.

“We need to be free,” said Campbell.

“I would rather the guys go out and go for it.

“I want them to work hard and defend well by putting their bodies on the line.

“Forget what happens at the end of the season we just have to focus on the next game and enjoying our football.”

With that in mind, Campbell also wants more players to get forward in a bid to stop striker Charlie Kelman becoming isolated in attack.

“We try to get the guys up there with Charlie and we have to keep doing that,” said Campball.

“Macca (Stephen McLaughlin) can go up there, Terrell (Egbri) can and (Sam) Barratt’s trying to get up there too.

“We had Tim (Dieng) up there for flick ons but it is what it is.

“I don’t know why people are so surprised.

“Charlie’s also 18.

“He’s young and people have to wake up. I get some people are getting frustrated but this is what we’ve got.”