New Stoke boss Nathan Jones insisted his side are a work in progress after they were swept aside in his first game at the helm by free-flowing Brentford.
Brentford gave Jones a baptism of fire as they eased to a comfortable 3-1 win at Griffin Park.
Goals from Said Benrahma and Rico Henry and a Ryan Shawcross own goal sank the Potters, who replied through Benik Afobe with their only meaningful shot on target.
"I have only been here two days and we are not going to have a revolution in two days," said the former Luton boss.
Jones tinkered with several diamond-based formations during the 90 minutes, but added: "In hindsight you don't know whether that is the best way but going forward we need to learn quickly. It's a different shape and you don't learn it in two days."
He insisted he would turn Stoke into a "great side" if the players, fans and club hierarchy give him the time to turn things round.
He said: "I am disappointed with today but we are going to be a great side and we will build something here. I say again we are going to be a great side but we weren't today.
"I could have watched this from afar in the stand to see how things were done, but I am not one to shy away from challenges and I wanted to be involved. I have no regrets, I am disappointed but we will get it right."
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank hailed the "most complete performance" of his reign.
"It was a dominating, controlled performance from the first second to the last. Stoke had two shots in the whole game and one was blocked," he said.
"That shows that our determination and defensive mindset as well as the tactical press was spot on. It seemed like we could create opportunities whenever we wanted."
He was delighted that Benrahma and Henry – with his first ever Bees goal – heeded his plea for other players apart from top scorer Neal Maupay to add to the scoresheet.
He said: "They listened which is very pleasing. We have players who can score goals but I must admit that when I saw Rico surging into the box I thought 'where is he going?', then the net bulged and I thought 'that's great'. He needs to work on his goal celebration though."
Frank believes his side, who went through a dreadful run after his appointment, are now through the other side of the dip, but warned: "Yes, we are growing in confidence now but we cannot drop off or get relaxed.
"It is all about effort and hard work which we showed today with a very high press, energy and tempo, but that is what it takes in this division to be a top side."
