Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup says his side's poor first-half performance meant they could not execute their desired game plan against Burnley.
The Canaries conceded two early goals, and despite being one of few sides to score against Scott Parker's side in the second half, could not manage a late equaliser.
"We simply have to avoid the first goal," Thorup told BBC Radio Norfolk. "It's not good enough defensively, our back line is all over the place.
"The second goal, we gave away a free-kick in our own half, pass it straight to them and they score from a deflected shot, that's more difficult to avoid.
"That left us in a bad position, so I am not satisfied with that, it wasn't part of the plan.
"The second half was really, really strong. When we got the goal we gave them a final push without creating final chances."
Defeat for Norwich almost certainly ends their chances of a play-off place. They remain nine points off the top six with four matches left.
