Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has high praises for his side despite losing 4-2 to Barcelona in the Champions League at Wembley.
Riding on a brilliant Lionel Messi double Barcelona piled more misery on Tottenham who now face uncertainty over their Champions League fate. The North London giants had lost the last match as Inter Milan staged a last minute fight back to pull off a late victory at the San Siro.
Philippe Coutinho punished the home side very early after Hugo Lloris made a childish judgemental error. Ivan Rakitic and a Lionel Messi brace proved to be enough for the visitors to leave the stadium with a crucial three point.
Spurs did set the stage for a comeback following Erik Lamela’s goal but Messi ensured they return to Spain with three points in the pocket. “To concede a goal so early, we destroyed the plan.
“If we start the game this way, it’s so tough for the players. In the second half. I feel proud for the effort of the players.”
“For 45 minutes, we didn’t concede one chance to Messi – but of course when we are 2-0 down and you give more space as we are attacking.
“It’s so difficult to stop this type of player. If you watch the game, in the first half – how many chances did Messi have? Not one. Of course, he’s the best player in the world but come on, in the first half we conceded in the first minute.
“We can’t talk about topics, we need to talk about reality. We were handicapped against Barcelona after conceding after one minute. I think our players were heroes to chase the game against a team with Messi, Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho.”
