Jos Luhukay admired the performance of Spanish side Villarreal as Wednesday were beaten 3-1 at Hillsborough.
The Yellow Submarine displayed their attacking prowess to take the plaudits, although the Owls too showed their teeth in part.
But the Spaniards had the edge in the final third and emerged worthy winners.
Luhukay said: “The results in pre-season are not important to me. It is about the fitness and the performance.
“I was pleased with a lot of what I saw today but I think Villarreal are a very good side who play a different kind of game, a European game.
“In attack they did very well, they moved the ball quickly so we were up against a very good team today.”
Luhukay added: “For us, I felt it was important to give most of the players some time on the pitch and of course that affects the flow and tempo of the game.
“But some things are more important than the result. For example it was good to see Steven Fletcher looking sharp and back on the pitch.
“We have excellent players, a talented squad, and when every player is available this will be a big positive for Sheffield Wednesday.”