Stoke manager Mark Robins spoke BBC Radio Stoke after the Potters' 2-0 defeat at Bristol City.
"We had more possession and didn't have a shot on target, which is a damning statistic, and one I'm embarrassed about," he said.
"We have to win the duels, have an attacking intent and get that impetus by playing in a way that you mean it, rather than the apologetic performance we've just seen. The players are more capable than that – they know that.
"Everyone who pays their hard-earned money deserves the minimum, which is a side that's running and fighting.