Jos Luhukay said he was satisfied with the improvement in his side but not the result as the Owls drew 1-1 with Hull.
The Wednesday manager demanded an uplift from the opening day defeat at Wigan and saw a better performance although the Owls fell short of their first win.
Luhukay said: “We were better in both directions today but am I happy? No, because a manager cannot be happy when you do not win the game.
“But our defending was better and our attacking was better today. We had some good chances and could have won the game.
“But I am not angry or disappointed with my players because I think we did a good game.”
Steven Fletcher returned to make his first start for seven and a half months and had opportunities to get off the mark.
But Luhukay focused on the striker’s ability to get into the dangerous areas and praised his all-round display in the final third:
“This was my first chance to see Steven start a game and I was impressed with what I saw today.
“I thought his game was very good and if he scores a goal he is man of the match.
“On one more day he could have three goals but today was not the day for that.
“But I saw Steven win his battles and make some very good positions. He was unlucky not to score but that day will come when things go his way, I am sure about that.”
Finally, Luhukay revealed Lucas Joao pulled up with an injury on Friday that precluded the striker from the Tigers clash.
He added: “Lucas told me yesterday he could not play today because he had a groin injury so as a manager you must respect that.
“It is a shame because Lucas is a player who can influence games.
“He is having the treatment and we will know more on Monday I believe.”