Boss unhappy with performance in cup win
It was Pompey’s first victory in the FA Cup in more than five years.
But Paul Cook was not in the mood to celebrate after watching his side labour to a 2-1 victory over Macclesfield.
All the goals arrived before the break, with Adam McGurk netting either side of a comical Kristian Dennis equaliser.
And despite securing safe passage through to the second round, Cook was scathing about Pompey’s overall display.
The Blues boss said: “We didn’t play well. We huffed and puffed, but we didn’t look like we had any thought process.
“We’ve had some smashing games this season and are sitting third in the league, so I don’t understand where this negativity has come from.
“My job is to make sure I can root it out and get the best out of the players at this club.
“We weren’t at it and we saw what happened in Friday night’s tie what can happen when that’s the case.
“Things need to be said in the dressing room and they have been said, so now we need to work hard.
“We’ve got to be better than that – I’ve never seen our team give the ball away so much as they did in the second half.
“As much as I back the players – and I always will – that was a million miles away from what I want from my team.
“We’re in the hat for the next round, but I want our fans to go away excited after the game.”
Cook was, however, pleased with the performance of on-loan striker Marc McNulty, who came off the bench to make his Pompey debut.
He said: “I thought Marc looked really sharp when he was brought on and we all saw what he’s going to bring to the team.”
Watch the thoughts of Cook below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full reaction to the Emirates FA Cup triumph.