Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti was left frustrated by his side's failure to extend their lead at the top of Serie A.
The Nerazzurri were held to a goalless draw by Genoa at the San Siro yesterday, a result which left Inter four points clear of second-placed AC Milan with 11 games remaining.
"Had we won, it would have been two more points," said Moratti.
"We will have to wait and see if in the end this will make a difference.
"But against Genoa, the team didn't start the game with the right character.
"We improved after the restart but you cannot win a game with just a good performance in one half."
Moratti believes his side struggled without Jose Mourinho's guidance.
The Portuguese tactician served the second game of a three-match touchline ban on Sunday and watched the game from the stands.
"It's clear that (Mourinho's) presence on the bench counts," Moratti said. "Mourinho's dynamism is better transmitted directly to his players from the field."
Moratti does not believe his players were already thinking about next week's Champions League return leg at Chelsea.
"I don't think their thoughts of Chelsea could have conditioned the team," said Moratti.
"There are still 10 days to go for that game and I don't think that was the problem."
Inter travel to Sicily to face Catania on Friday before making the journey to London to face Chelsea on March 16.
Moratti Frustrated as INTER Drop Points