The head coach was unhappy with the manner of the goals his side conceded either side of the break in north London, but pointed a finger at the finishing for an area to improve. Fabio Silva, Joao Moutinho and Adama Traore were all visibly frustrated to not hit the target with big chances against Spurs, but Nuno is now looking at how to improve in those situations.
On the defeat at Spurs
“It was a difficult game. Large parts of the game we played good, we were organised, had good combinations, good possession. A couple of mistakes, but it was a tough game. We have to analyse, but disappointed with the manner of the goal – too easy. We will have to look at it.
“I thought we started the game well, we were compact, organised, we had a couple of situations on the counter attack. Tottenham gave us some pressure in some moments of the first-half, but disappointed with the goal.
“It was almost the end of the first-half and we were open, we allowed a middle pass to break all the lines. Disappointed on that aspect. It requires organisation and discipline, and we didn’t have it at that moment. This is the analysis we have to do, the way we conceded was easy situations we can avoid.”
On the need to take chances
“The character that we require to chase a result we had, we had good situations offensively, good combinations, but you look at the end and we didn’t test [Hugo] Lloris. We didn’t put the ball inside of the goal, so terrible finishing.
“At least put the ball for the goalkeeper to have some work, that’s the main objective of finishing – we have to improve on that.
“The responsibility of the goals is for all the team and it can happen in all the situations. Today we had Fabio [Silva], Joao [Moutinho], Adama [Traore], we had situations we could finish.”
On Podence’s absence
“He’s going to go to surgery tomorrow to solve a problem that he’s been dragging for a while. This is the right moment for him to go to surgery so he can start the new season strong.”
On Jimenez’s meeting on Tuesday
“The priority is to have no risks on the situation, we have to wait, the meeting is Tuesday, and the specialist is going to give the situation and we move forward based on that. We cannot afford to take any kind of chances with Raul.
“Everyone has a big wish for him to come back, but let’s be patient and really careful in this situation. I see him very well, I see him working and training with the team. He’s anxious to return, but it requires patience and wise decisions.”
On the last two
“We have to improve, we have two games to do in the season, tough games ahead of us, and we have to react and keep on trying things so we can bring this youth much stronger for our future, that’s the idea.
“Today was the same idea as the previous games, try to build, try to give opportunities to young players – we are positive and confident with their talent. It has to grow, so these two games are going to be tough, and we have to compete. This is my main message and idea – let’s compete.”
