KEIR RADNEDGE in MADRID: Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino promised that, once he and his team had absorbed their 2-0 defeat by Liverpool, they would appreciate what they had achieved this past season.
Spurs were beaten by an early penalty from Mohamed Salah and a late strike from substitute Divock Origi. Their attack woke up too late in the game and found Liverpool keeper Alisson in fine form.
Pochettino said: “To concede a penalty after 30 seconds had a massive impact but the team were great because that was very difficult. Overall we dominated the game but Liverpool were more clinical in front of goal. We had chances but we didn’t score it’s so painful but at the same time we need to be calm and analyse things.
“We can feel proud. The season was fantastic. We played the Champions League final for the first time in the history of the club. It’s so painful to lose this final but at the same time we need to be positive.
“Always after a very painful situation you have to reflect on how you built success and then prepare to build the next period in your life. It’s going to be tough but after a few hours we will change our minds and start to be positive.”
Pochettino said he had no regrets about picking Harry Kane to start even thought the England centre-forward had been out injured since early April.
He was also full of praise for Liverpool.
Pochettino said: “Liverpool made an amazing season and finished with the Champions League so congratulations to them.
“It would have been incredible for us to lift that trophy. It would have surprised people a lot because over the past five years Tottenham have prioritised building the new stadium and spent zero pounds. So this club and the fan base deserve a lot of credit because this was historic and hopefully it will be the beginning of a very successful period for the club.”
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