David Wagner admitted Huddersfield paid the price for too many individual errors after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Birmingham in the FA Cup.
Lukas Jutkiewicz fired an equaliser for Birmingham early in the second period to secure the Sky Bet Championship side a deserved fourth-round replay after Steve Mounie had headed Huddersfield into a half-time lead.
Both Wagner and opposite number Steve Cotterill could have done without a replay as they focus on their respective relegation battles, while the latter was clearly the happier post-match.
“It isn’t the result which we wanted to have and I think it isn’t the result we deserved,” said Wagner.
“We missed out clear-cut chances, which we had a few of and we made two individual mistakes before we conceded the first goal as well.
“This means too many mistakes in the offence and too many mistakes in the defence and then it’s difficult to win.”
Huddersfield substitute Joe Lolley spurned a golden chance to snatch victory in stoppage time when he blazed Collin Quaner’s cutback over the crossbar.
“We only have a draw, a rematch, nothing that we wanted to have, but now we have it, we accept it,” said Wagner, who made seven changes to the side which started in last week’s defeat at Stoke.
Wagner picked out right-back Florent Hadergjonaj, forward Collin Quaner, goalscorer Mounie and centre-half Terence Kongolo for special mention.
“This is why I’m not too worried about the rematch because we have at the minute a very big, healthy squad,” said the German, whose side take on Liverpool on Tuesday in their bid to halt a seven-game winless run.
Wagner confirmed both Kongolo and midfielder Danny Williams are doubtful for Liverpool’s visit after sustaining minor injuries.
Blues boss Cotterill, who also made seven changes, felt aggrieved Jutkiewicz’s second-half header was ruled out for offside.
“It’s a real tight one and we’re slightly disappointed with that because getting a win would have been a fantastic result for us.
“It’s a great result anyway. We played well, especially making seven changes and great credit to those players coming in, their fitness levels were tremendous.
“It gives everyone a lift to not get beat. That’s the big thing. The club, over the last year or so now, has probably got used to getting beaten every week.”
Birmingham take on relegation rivals Sunderland at St Andrew’s on Tuesday and Cotterill hinted some players could retain their places in his starting line-up.
He does not expect to strengthen his squad during the last week of the transfer window.
“I haven’t thought we’ll do any business up until now and nothing has changed in my mind to make me think all of a sudden we’re going to spring a rabbit out of the hat,” he added.
