Tottenham’s boss of Ange Postecoglou admits that his side was not “nowhere close to the level” at 1-0 loss in Az Alkmaar.
The result leaves their future in the Europa League hanging on balance, despite several key players returning from injury.
Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven were unused substitutes in the race, while Dominic Solanke came for the final stretch before getting another blow.
It was a flat performance across the court for visitors, especially by the son of the captain Heung-Min and James Maddison.
Postecoglou’s evaluation was that “it was not great”, but his side must be rebuilt for the return foot next week.
Speaking after the game, he said: “We will analyze it and take a look at the areas where we fought, but it is fair to say that it was nowhere close to the level it had to be.
“It wasn’t wonderful of us tonight. Very all aspects of the game. We didn’t really manage to deal with any part of the game. We struggled to win any dynamic with the ball, we weren’t as aggressive as we should be without the ball.
“I don’t think it’s a matter of effort or attitude. I don’t think he’s going out there and he doesn’t try, but, as I said, we weren’t really to deal with and have the right mindset to face a home in Europe.
‘It’s a big, big wake -up call’ 🚨
Spurs Heung-Min commander speaks after his alkmaar side defeat and says his team is the “big wake-up call” in front of the 2nd leg next week.
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“It’s always difficult and apparently admitted the goal, which was a frustrating set of events, but even after that we didn’t really set up in the game at all.
“You will face some pressure when you play away from home in Europe and deal with the storm and get involved with it, but we never did it. That was a disappointment.
“We have to be much more aggressive than we were. Just missing a little aggression in what we did.
The son reflects the words of his director, despite the fact that he created zero chances, without shots at the target and completing any dribbles in the race.
He added: “It’s nowhere close to the point we have to perform. It was very disappointing that we did so, including me. It is a great awakening call because next week is the biggest game of the season.
“I really don’t think there was much attention. It’s always difficult to play in the Europa League. We didn’t create anything in the first half, difficulty, without performing the way we needed.
“Everyone is very disappointed with the individual performance and performance of the team. We need to see ourselves. There are no excuses. We were not good enough. It’s only 1-0, it’s not yet finished, and next week we have to be much better.”
