City manager David Hopkin labelled the Bantams’ disappointing defeat to Southend a “reality check”.
The 4-0 loss saw Hopkin’s side slip to 23rd on the Sky Bet League One ladder - three points from safety.
The Bantams boss said: “It was a disappointing result and performance, summarised by Southend scoring after just 90 seconds.
“Southend managed a fantastic second goal and then it was always going to be tough.
“We struggled with the physicality and how they played. They came here to do a job on us and they managed it.
“It was hard to take. Given how we have been playing recently at home, conceding four goals is very disappointing. It was a reality check for everyone.
“We have to get back to how we were playing – by getting the basics right.
“We were picked off in the final third and couldn’t put together any movement going forwards.
“There was always a chance that, just after the break, we could have come back with a goal but their keeper made a great save.
“Then the third goes in and it was game over.”
Following an impressive December, back-to-back defeats have edged City back into the division’s bottom four.
Hopkin, however, believes his men can steer clear in the weeks ahead, with games against Burton and Shrewsbury coming in the next eight days.
He added: “We had to get the crowd onside from the moment we started the game.
“Unfortunately it didn’t happen and the crowd were subdued because we conceded early on.
“The players know how to get the fans back onside when trailing at half-time, which was what we wanted to do in the second half.
“But it didn’t happen and the supporters and myself were left disappointed.
“We had a good December but it will ultimately count for nothing if we cannot perform in the key fixtures.
“We have two massive games coming up to try put this performance right.”
Supporters have until 4.00pm on Friday to purchase tickets for Saturday’s game at Burton Albion.
CLICK HERE to buy online, or visit the Northern Commercials Stadium during normal office hours.