Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho said the recent international break has given him a chance to “work on things” following their opening four Championship games.
The Blues returned from the third to the second tier of English football for the first time in 12 years this campaign.
Mousinho’s side, who have been dealt some tough opening fixtures, have yet to pick up their first win of the season.
Pompey’s first three league fixtures ended in draws, including valuable points away to promotion hopefuls Leeds United, Middlesbrough and at home to Luton Town, before a defeat by Sunderland at Fratton Park.
“We had a chance last week to rest a few people who had played a lot of minutes already this season.” Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent.
“We had a really solid time to work on things and rest over the break, we’ve taken the time to improve the things we’re good at and also get on top of things we can be better at, particularly on the ball.
“We’ve been a bit disappointing on the ball and maybe not shown enough bravery, we’ve worked on shape, and getting the ball into the final third more to create a few more chances.”
Mousinho has called on his team to rediscover what made them so dangerous last season.
Portsmouth were the dominant side in England’s third tier last campaign and played an exciting and attacking brand of football that made them so dangerous to opponents.
“We haven’t pressed as high as we’d usually like to press this season.” Mousinho added.
“We went all out and pretty much pressed every side we played against last season, but we have to be maybe a bit more practical in the Championship because of some of the sides we face.
“It’s something we want to get back to when we have the personnel and the fitness in the tank, you may see that change in the next couple of weeks.”
Portsmouth host West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. The Baggies made the Championship play-offs last season but lost in the semi-finals to Pompey’s bitter rivals Southampton.