Danny Cowley knows there is plenty of room for improvement after watching his side draw with Lincoln.
Pompey’s opening home match of the new League One campaign was a goalless affair, with little to trouble the keepers.
The home side went closest to securing all three points, with Reeco Hackett and Michael Morrison having chances.
But, ultimately, they could not get the job done and Cowley felt there was a lack of creativity on show.
The Blues boss said: “The attitude and application were good, although that’s a prerequisite and so we aways expect that.
“Keeping a clean sheet is another real positive and I don’t think that Lincoln had a shot on target against us.
“They’re a much improved and fitter side, but I didn’t like us in possession – I don’t think we were able to find a balance.
"There will always be reasons when you have a new group and there’s still a lot of work to do to get that joined up thinking."
“We were a bit too direct and were playing hopeful football. We’ve got better footballers than that and I wanted to get more control and rhythm.
“There will always be reasons when you have a new group and there’s still a lot of work to do to get that joined up thinking.
“We’ve also had a sickness bug and a number of them didn’t train on Friday, and maybe in hindsight there were some who shouldn’t have played.
“Perhaps, as a consequence, we didn’t have the same levels of energy and intensity that we normally see.
“When you’re at home and you have to take the game to the opposition, we’re not quite where we need to be.”
New signing Tom Lowery was presented to the Fratton faithful shortly before kick-off and received a warm welcome.
Cowley said: “He’s a player who will really excite the crowd and has the ability to handle the ball well. There’s a real creativity and industry about him.