CRAIG Bryson felt Derby County looked "lethargic" in their defeat against Middlesbrough.
The Rams lost 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday as Nathaniel Chalobah's second-half strike gave the home side all three points.
Derby head coach Steve McClaren, facing his former club, was unhappy with his side's performance - and midfielder Bryson shared those sentiments.
"We looked a bit lethargic and didn't play at the pace we usually play at," said the Scot.
"That's not like us.
"We didn't do ourselves justice.
"I don't know what the reason was. Our preparation had been the same throughout the week to what it usually is.
"It just wasn't the best day for us."
Bryson added: "When the game is tight, you need to have that quality in the final third.
"We lacked that a wee bit at Middlesbrough.
"I can't remember us testing their keeper that many times, to be honest.
"We created some good openings but did not make the most of them."
