Gus Poyet insisted he could take plenty of positives out of Brighton's 2-1 defeat by high-flying Colchester.
The Seagulls have lost three home league games out of three since Poyet took charge but the Uruguayan was proud of his players for the effort they put in.
He said: "I hate losing but if there is a right way to lose then this is it. We should have had three points. I'm a little bit sad for the players, but positive things have still come out of it."
Gary Dicker scored for Brighton but they were already trailing to early goals from Phil Ifil and Anthony Wordsworth.
The hosts would have moved out of the relegation zone and up to 15th had they won, but Poyet was at pains to point out that losing to Leeds, Charlton and Colchester - the top three - in their last three home league games is no disgrace.
He added: "It wasn't our day, but we've played the top sides and they have the know-how to win games."
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