Neil Harris revealed he read his Cardiff City players the riot act following a dismal first half against Brentford, but it wasn't enough to spark a comeback at Griffin Park.
The Bluebirds were second best for the best part of an hour on Wednesday night, with the hosts running riot before the break.
Harris's side showed some spirit late on, getting themselves back into the tie courtesy of Marlon Pack's stunning effort, but the die had already been cast.
Following a poor first half, the Bluebirds were hit cold at the start of the second period when Ollie Watkins headed home immediately after the restart, which eventually proved to be the winner.
Harris, understandably, was left seething by the manner in which they conceded that goal.
"I don't like losing games in the manner we did in the first 60 minutes," Harris said after the match. "I certainly didn't like the start of the second half, that's unacceptable.
"Probably the first time I've had to raise my voice in the football club so far was at half time.
"I was disappointed the first 60 seconds of the second half. But I'll forgive that for the reaction for the rest of the game.
"What we can't do at this level is give teams head starts or a foothold.
"You can't turn the ball over like we did in the first half. You can't gift free headers like we did at the start of the second half.
"Three times in 60 seconds and the ball ends up in your net, it's not acceptable in a Neil Harris team and it's not acceptable in Championship football."
It was the manager's first taste of defeat following an impressive start to life in the Welsh capital, but with the unenviable task of a trip to Leeds looming this weekend, Harris is demanding his team bounce back.
"I don't doubt a reaction on Saturday, because it's Elland Road," Harris added.
"You have to. So we will. It's down to me now to pick the lads up.
"I told them in there that there's no feeling sorry for yourselves, we go again.
"Ten points from the first four games was a lovely return, 10 from five is still a lovely return but I don't like getting beat."
City fans knew this week represented the toughest of Harris's regime so far and we were likely to get a better bearing on where this squad is after Saturday's encounter with Leeds.
Despite the defeat, and given the nature of the table, Cardiff are still right in the mix of those play-off spots.
While homesickness has proved the Bluebirds' Achilles heel so far this season, Harris will be desperate not to come back from Leeds empty handed. And what a boost that would be.
