Alex McLeish admitted that his side looked "a little pedestrian" as they wrapped up their pre-season programme with a 1-1 home draw against Fulham at St. Andrew's.
The Blues boss felt that his side let the Premier League visitors dominate the proceedings too much, particularly in the first half in which Simon Davies put the visitors in front.
But he was pleased with an improved second half showing from his players.
"We allowed Jimmy Bullard and Danny Murphy too much respect in the first half," he admitted.
"In the second half we tightened up on those two and it was a bit better for us.
"We didn't start at the right tempo. We never really created any goal chances and Fulham bossed the first half entirely.
"The goal was unlucky for young Jordon Mutch. He tried to clear and it ricocheted off to Davies, so it wasn't really down to dodgy defending. It was just a shade of misfortune."
It was a big day for Mutch with his debut appearance in a first team game at St. Andrew's.
McLeish added: "Jordon is only 16, 17 in December, and for him to be breaking into the team at that age says a lot for the kid.
"He is going to be a big player and of that I am quite sure. I am sure he can break through this season."
McLeish paid tribute to substitute Cameron Jerome's part in Seb Larsson's equalising goal: "It was a great run from Cameron, he showed blinding speed and good close control, picked out a superb pass and Seb has done it justice.
McLeish has some difficult decisions to make on team selection ahead of next week's first league game at home to Sheffield United, particularly in attack.
Jerome, Marcus Bent, James McFadden, Kevin Phillips and Garry O'Connor are all hoping to get the nod for one of the front two positions.
"I think Bent is improving with each game. That was the sharpest I have seen him today," said the Blues chief.
"Faddy was looking a little heavy legged last week but there were again signs of his brilliance at times today.
"It was just a runabout for Kevin and Garry in the first half. They didn't really get any opportunities and I felt that was maybe due to the way I set the team out in the first half."
McLeish should have the luxury of an almost fully fit squad for next Saturday's St. Andrew's opener.
Damien Johnson is likely to be the only absentee although the boss will need to check on the fitness of Radhi Jaidi after he was forced to leave the action during the first half of today's game.
McLeish explained: "Radhi said his hamstring was tight at the start of the game. We took the precaution of taking him off and Tiny (Martin Taylor) got another step towards his full match fitness as well.
"Our physio, Tim Williamson, doesn't think Radhi's problem is too bad and he should be okay for next weekend."
Finally, looking ahead to the eagerly-awaited clash with the Blades, McLeish commented: "We have to adhere to the principles that served us so well at St. Andrew's last season."
