With an elimination final against Wellington Phoenix looming, Paartalu said back-to-back 3-1 and 4-1 losses to Perth Glory and Adelaide United respectively had City's players motivated to make amends.
The Hyundai A-League Finals Series is on SBS ONE, SBS HD and online in May. Don't miss it!
"We haven't really reflected too much, the last two weeks have been pretty pathetic in terms of results and performance," he said.
It seemed City's frustrations came out on the training field. There were hearty tackles, plenty of sweat, celebrations with each goal and even remonstrations - including one bust-up between David Williams and a City coach.
"A few boys falling out with each other and they're getting stuck in the first session back," Paartalu said. "It's a good sign after a pretty tough couple of weeks."
Paartalu would know what's needed, having tasted Championship Glory at Brisbane Roar, with City team-mate Massimo Murdocca. The pair played in both the 2011 and 2012 grand final wins.
He said the experience in City's squad, including captain Patrick Kisnorbo and striker Josh Kennedy, would be of crucial significance in guiding the entire squad through whatever was left of their season.
"The finals series is about being cool, calm and collected," Paartalu said. "We're away from home and we're up against it.
"You want it to be difficult, you want it to be tough and that's the challenge.
"We've got a chance while we're in it. Everyone wants to play Melbourne Victory in the next game," he said.
"Our club would love to have that and the city of Melbourne would love to have that.
"But we're not getting too carried away with ourselves."
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