Southampton manager Ronald Koeman admitted a replay was the last thing he wanted after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Ipswich in the FA Cup third round.
It could have been worse for the Saints, who trailed at St Mary's after Darren Ambrose's first-half header put the Championship club in front, but Morgan Schneiderlin equalised before half-time.
Despite dominating the second period, Koeman's team were unable to find a winner and must now travel to Portman Road next week in between Premier League trips to Manchester United and Newcastle.
"I don't understand why you say congratulations, we have to play the replay and that wasn't what I expected,'' Koeman said.
"Am I annoyed? Of course, because we can't make a lot of changes in the team and I don't like to make changes. I believe in playing the strongest team.
"We chose not to play Toby Alderweireld today because of a risk to his hamstring but otherwise it was our strongest team.
"If I give out the message of making changes, the players can say afterwards, 'the manager isn't taking it seriously.'
"What happens now next week I don't know. We have to play three away games, difficult ones, so we will see what happens.''
Saints began the tie as strong favourites, having secured a draw against Chelsea and a 2-0 win over Arsenal in their previous two league matches.
Ten points in four games has lifted Koeman's side back into the top four but the Saints boss claimed he was fearful of Ipswich, who are currently second in the Championship.
"I was afraid for today's game,'' Koeman said. "There has been a lot of positive attention for everyone at the club after Chelsea and Arsenal and my experience is the next game is very difficult.
"Ipswich had an unbelievable spirit, 5,000 fans supporting the team and this game was their whole focus. I was afraid for today and the final result shows that because we didn't start the game well.
"We started sloppy and you know that if you have to change that, it is very difficult.''
Koeman added: "If you put in 80 percent and the opponent puts in 120 percent, there is no difference between the Championship and Premier League.
"We knew that and that was shown in the first 20 minutes.''
Sadio Mane, who was on the scoresheet against the Gunners on New Year's Day, missed the clash and has been ruled out for four to six weeks with a calf injury.
Southampton do not expect the midfielder to play in the African Nations Cup although Koeman said he may travel to undergo tests with the Senegal medical team.
Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy made six changes to his starting lineup but refused to bemoan next week's replay, insisting it should be possible to juggle league and cup success.
"I just said to the lads, 'well done, it's the last thing we really wanted' -- but that was tongue in cheek,'' McCarthy said. "I didn't want to lose, that's for sure, why can't we have a cup run as well?
"We get plenty of rest in between, I know we get lots of games but I want to continue our good run of form.''
Ipswich, one point behind Championship leaders Bournemouth, are on course for promotion to the top tier and McCarthy believes matching Southampton will give his players belief for the rest of the season.
"I came down here and watched Arsenal play and Southampton were worthy winners,'' McCarthy said. "My players probably learned how tough it was playing against a Premier League team today and what quality they have.
"They probably learned a bit about themselves as well and felt they could cope with it -- that's as important as anything.''