Rovers have shown glimpses of what they can do since Valerien Ismael took charge – but the head coach wants to see more consistency in performances.
The side have taken one point from Ismael’s opening three games in charge at Ewood Park, missing the chance to gain ground in the play-off race.
There was a positive response in the second half at Stoke City but it ultimately wasn’t enough to avoid defeat on the road.
“I wasn't happy (at half time) because we can play better,” said Ismael. “What I saw from the team throughout the season, what I saw from the Norwich game, the second half, the quality when we create chances is there.
“When you see the standards you can get with the players, you expect that the players play on that level.”
When asked if he had considered changes at the break against the Potters, the boss replied: “Maybe but the first thing, as I say, when you come, you don't want to change too much. You have to give the chance to the players to react.
“Some players didn't perform like we expected. Just to see the attitude in the second half, always a reaction when you say something to the player. After that, you can take your decision.”
Rovers have now suffered back-to-back defeats against sides battling at the wrong end of the table.
Cardiff, who are a point above the drop zone, are next up at Ewood Park this weekend.
When asked if recent results had been a ‘missed opportunity’, Ismael said: “I don't like this question because it seems disrespectful against the team who were battling. This is the Championship and you see yesterday, Derby won against Coventry.
“It's not an easy road so you have to fight, you have to earn your points. It doesn't mean anything in the Championship, your position in the table, you have to make sure that you have the right attitude for the game you face.
“You take the games one by one. Everything you do, you have to do it right. If you are not right, you get punished and that's it.
“You never play against a weak team. You can say a team lacking confidence, a team who didn't get the result, but the quality is everywhere.”
Ismael was also quizzed about whether his side had done enough to match the ‘battle and fight’ on show from the sides battling against the drop.
“I think the players have to see (the opposition) put everything on the pitch for the days,” he responded.
“I think that in the first half, just with the ball, it was too much back pass, back pass and to give the momentum to the opponent to come back into the game, or at least to build up that momentum they needed.
“The mistake led to the goal, it happens in football. It didn't give us the chance to stay in the game long enough to make sure we can score.”
