Spurs were held to a 1-1 draw by Eintracht Frankfurt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final. Manager Ange Postecoglou said he was proud of his players, but admitted he was disappointed not to be taking a lead back to Germany next week.
“I guess a little bit frustrated by the result. I thought the performance in general was good from the boys. We conceded early which was disappointing and it was a fair strike from the lad,” said the 59-year-old.
“We responded well…We hit the crossbar three times and on any other day, we’re winning that game. There’s no reason we can’t go there and play like that in the second leg.”
Micky van de Ven had a golden chance late on but couldn’t convert, and Postecoglou admitted the football gods weren’t on their side.
“I’m resigned to the fact that the football gods have got their eyes elsewhere this year. They’re obviously busy with other clubs and other managers so whatever we get we’re going to have to do it without them this year.”
Teenage sensation Lucas Bergvall delivered another brilliant performance, with Postecoglou praising the 19-year-old’s contribution and the team’s overall display, despite the result.
“He was great but the whole team was. I thought Rodri was outstanding. Both full-backs defensively and with the ball were causing problems. Cuti and Micky handled their front threats well apart from the goal we conceded which was the only disappointing bit. The front three were working with Madders and were creative.”
“You can’t ask any more from the lads than what the lads did, especially in that second half to create that many chances. We don’t get the win but I can’t ask any more from the players.”
Tottenham travel to Germany next week to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final next Thursday, with kickoff at Deutsche Bank Park scheduled for 20:00 BST [21:00 CEST].
