Roy Hodgson lamented that Bristol City were always going to find life hard against 'a very strong and physical' Birmingham City side in what could be his final away match as manager.
The former England boss returned to Ashton Gate a month ago in what was always likely to be a short-term replacement for outgoing Gerhard Struber. He won his first two games in charge but has since lost two and drawn two of the next four as the Robins stutter into a mid-table finish.
Blues ran out 2-1 winners at St Andrew's, and Hodgson made a nod to the home crowd as he didn't look for excuses in his post-match analysis.
'We started very well, but of course those two goals, the first one came with their first serious attack in our half. They scored a good goal from the free kick, but the second goal was obviously a bit of a killer blow, particularly at half time,' he told Radio Bristol.
'You're looking much more down the barrel of the gun than you would have been at one there. I can't fault the players for effort at all, and I thought there were times during the game where we once again played very well.
'We were up against a very strong and physical Birmingham team, playing in front of the home crowd, and it was always going to be a difficult game for us.'
Hodgson's Final Match and Future Role
Hodgson probably has one final match as a manager, against Stoke, but the 78-year-old is expected to advise the board on who gets the gig for next season, as well as about a vacant sporting director role.
He told BristolLive: 'My remit and my contract with Bristol City takes me through to next Saturday and a week beyond. Because the people at the club would like to speak to me, in regard to my thoughts and maybe some things that they want to discuss.
'I've got two weeks, if you like, in that respect.'
