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Ange Postecoglou has hit back at 'Mr Hindsight' critics and vented about doubts over his ability to manage Tottenham Hotspur.

Postecoglou, who led Spurs into the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday, came out fighting with an extraordinary response to the pressure he has been under during his second season at the club.

Ahead of facing Fulham on Sunday in the Premier League, Postecoglou was asked how he had handled questions over his future and whether there is more scrutiny at Tottenham than in his previous jobs, with the club sat 13th in the table.

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In a press conference that lasted for over 30 minutes, he said: "Yeah, the scrutiny is more because there's more noise, but that doesn't mean it needs to affect you.

"I've said many, many times that it doesn't concern me because I'm not really sure how people kind of perceive this role and particularly me as a person, that they would think that I would worry about tomorrow if there's a negative outcome. I just don't live my life that way. I don't speak that way. I don't think that way.

"I love what I do. I get up every day, take on the challenge, see where the possibilities are and keep moving.

"There's a lot of noise. I think there's always kind of two sides to that. One is people kind of do some critical analysis of what I do. Others, just like the story of a manager being under pressure, people get excited by that.

"Some people really enjoy that process for some bizarre reason and the more they try and push individuals, whether it's me or anyone else, to that sort of position, then it generates for them whatever sort of satisfaction they get out of it. But it doesn't infiltrate my world.

"Irrespective of what happened last night (vs AZ Alkmaar), I still would have gone home and asked my kids how the concert went. My life goes on. It's not that overwhelming that I feel the need to block it all out or to react to it. It doesn't bother me.

'Google my name and get some headlines'

When asked if it is more intense because of where he comes from, Postecoglou said: "If I say that, then people will just kind of see me playing the victim card and I don't want to do that. But 100 per cent there's an element of that. There's no doubt about it.

"Let me give you an example. Whatever profession you're in, you're a journalist, you're a plumber, you're a policeman, you're a lawyer, you're a doctor, you've been doing that job for 26, 27 years.

"Irrespective of whatever you do, do you reckon that person's got a pretty good idea about that job? Would you ever question his knowledge on that job? Would you ever question whether every decision he makes he's thought about or experienced before?

"If you survive for 26, 27 years, it means you haven't stuffed up too many times. Whatever you do, because if you're a plumber, then everywhere you've gone, if there's leaks, then you're not going to get another job. If you're a doctor and people are dying, then you're unlikely to kick on.

"If you're doing it for 26, 27 years, he's got a fair idea about what he's doing. But then you might say maybe he's just a grinder?

"But then if that person started pretty much on the factory floor of that industry, whatever industry it was, maybe you're a CEO or whatever, and he ends up in the position where the top one per cent of his profession get to, then you've got to say, OK, this guy must have something. You don't get to that from the factory floor, from the basement to the top one per cent in your field.

"I'm talking about the level, I'm not talking about expertise. But then you might say, OK, but he's out of his depth now. But if you've taken a club that finished eighth to fifth in your first full year...so when you put all that together and then you hear, like I said, he's out of his depth, he doesn't know what he's doing, he's got no idea, his methods don't work, his philosophy doesn't work. In any other industry, you wouldn't do that.

"You might be critical of his performance, but you wouldn't do that. Google my name and get some headlines. Just plaster them on a wall. And you'd say, I don't think that fits somehow. But it does. Because that's kind of where we're at.

"There's critical analysis of performance at every level. And like I said, as you get higher, there are bigger things at stake, for sure.

"Forget the football manager, forget me. Just any other, would you say he's got no idea what he's doing. He's got no plan B. He's stubborn, his methods don't work. He's out of his depth.

"Where does that come from? From people that probably...some weren't even born when I first started managing. I started in 1996-97.

'A manager's greatest nemesis is Mr Hindsight'

"You've got to just accept that it's part of the world I'm in. But I accept it. I don't have to react to it. I can just laugh it off because I just think it's ridiculous.

"And it doesn't change me as a person, It doesn't change anything I do or what I believe or how I continue to go on. Because my career will go on. Everyone realises that, whatever happens, my career will go on. That's a long answer, isn't it?"

Do you still enjoy it even during this time?

"I love it. No, I'm not saying that sort of facetiously. I love the fact that, you know, there's a massive challenge there and people are doubting you and all that sort of stuff.

"I do love it. But I also think that some of it is just ridiculous beyond its nature of being anything other than just cheap and very shallow. I'm not talking about critical analysis. I'm not talking about, you know…oh, jeez, I'm going on now…

"I've got one more story and then I'll let you go. You know who the greatest nemesis for any manager is? In today's world, and he's only come to the surface probably in the last five, six years, maybe 10 years. Mr Hindsight.

"You know who Mr Hindsight is? He's the guy who, when the outcome's there, the result's already done, he's got all the answers with the greatest of certainty that was so obvious, and he's never wrong.

"And Mr Hindsight will go out there every time and profess to be the oracle of all oracles because he just deals with what's happened after the event, never before. And there is such a mass of Mr Hindsight. The Killers should do a song about him. I'd definitely buy it.

"You want to be critical or you want to have really strong sort of opinions about things? State them before the event. Make them really clear and stand by them when they're wrong because I guarantee you they'll be just as wrong as any manager who's wrong probably more often.

"But there aren't many of those. There are some who if they don't do it before the event, after the event will always put a perspective on their analysis. But I see them, mate, and I hear them after the event. 'Oh, so obvious. Oh, how did he get that team selection wrong?'

"It's easy to deal with an outcome. Anyone can deal with an outcome. You don't need to even understand football. That team won, that team lost, that team's better, that coach is better, those players are better, that system's better, those selections are better, those decisions are better, they were always going to be better - I could have told you that before the game. You never did. Everything's obvious so what's the point?

"If it's just results what's the point of having anything else? All we'll do is whoever won, you put a column there and say everyone writes the same piece for that and whoever lost, you put a column there, everyone writes the same piece there. These managers are under pressure, these managers are the best. And then flip it the following week because results always go the other way.

"But anyway, we should have had this offline, I've said too many things that I'm going to regret tomorrow."

Robinson withdraws from USA squad through injury

Fulham’s Antonee Robinson has withdrawn from the USA national team due to injury, along with Celtic’s Auston Trusty.

Maurico Pochettino's side will play in the CONCACAF Nations League finals during the current international break.

They face Panama in the first semi-final on March 20 in Los Angeles.

The winners will face either Canada or Mexico in the final on March 23.

Robinson withdraws from USA squad through injury

Fulham’s Antonee Robinson has withdrawn from the USA national team due to injury, along with Celtic’s Auston Trusty.

Maurico Pochettino's side will play in the CONCACAF Nations League finals during the current international break.

They face Panama in the first semi-final on March 20 in Los Angeles.

The winners will face either Canada or Mexico in the final on March 23.

Hard to describe feeling – Sessegnon ‘so happy’ with Craven Cottage goal

Fulham full-back Ryan Sessegnon was lost for words after his long wait to score again at Craven Cottage ended with the clincher in a 2-0 win over old club Tottenham.

Sessegnon endured an injury-hit five-year spell at Spurs where he made only 57 appearances after a string of hamstring issues.

It resulted in the one-time England hopeful being released last summer and he turned to boyhood side Fulham to get his career back on track.

While Sessegnon had to wait until December to make a second Premier League debut for Marco Silva’s men, he has started to get further chances and marked his latest display off the bench with a superb curled effort with his weaker right foot in the 88th-minute on Sunday.

There was no celebration from Sessegnon out of respect for Tottenham, but the big smile on the face of the 24-year-old was clear to see after he struck in front of the Hammersmith End at Craven Cottage for the first time since 2018.

“I was still waiting for that moment for me to happen and I am so happy it happened in an important game,” Sessegnon told FFCtv.

“I spent five seasons there [at Tottenham], still have a lot of respect for the club and for the people that work for the club hence why there was no celebration.

“I knew when I come on today if there was any loose ball or chance I could get, I wanted to make sure I took the chance and I did. Yeah, it’s hard to describe this feeling. It is amazing, honestly.

“The noise was incredible when the ball went in the back of the net and I was just happy to help the team to a vital three points.”

The Verdict: Fulham eyeing Europe after win against 'toothless' Spurs

Sky Sports News reporter Gary Cotterill and senior football journalist Peter Smith review Fulham's win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Silva on Sessgnon's 'emotional' goal against Tottenham

Marco Silva described Ryan Sessegnon's goal against Tottenham as "emotional" given the difficulties the Fulham player has been through in his career.

After bursting through at Fulham as a 16-year-old, Sessegnon joined Tottenham in 2019 but a series of injuries disrupted his time in north London and he has now returned to Craven Cottage.

"It was emotional," said Silva, about Sessegnon's 88th-minute stunner against Spurs. "The injuries, sometimes that can be hard for the players to deal with.

"He’s in much better shape right now. We all know his quality. The first goal again at Craven Cottage, against Tottenham as well, he did it in a fantastic way, right-footed, something he’s been working on in the training sessions. It was a nice reward for him.

"He’s still very young. He was one of the biggest talents in his position in the country. That was the reason why a club like Tottenham came and spent the money. Sometimes life and football is not as we expected, everyone expected a bright future for him in that moment. He wasn’t fortunate at all in terms of injuries."

FREE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: FULHAM 2-0 TOTTENHAM

Report: Sessegnon scores stunner in Fulham win

Ryan Sessegnon struck a stunner against his former club as Fulham boosted their hopes of European qualification with a 2-0 win over toothless Tottenham at Craven Cottage to move up to eighth in the Premier League.

Fulham 2-0 Tottenham: Ryan Sessegnon scores against old club after Rodrigo Muniz opener as Marco Silva's side go eighth

Sky Sports

Analysis: Fulham powered by super subs

Sky Sports' Laura Hunter:

When you're in the European chase, as Fulham are, it's mighty handy to have players off the bench who can change games. Players who can rescue something. Or turn a likely draw into a win.

Fulham have scored 13 goals from substitutes in the Premier League this season, including two against Spurs (Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon), the outright most in the division.

Sessegnon's moment will stand out against his former side, not least for the quality of the strike. The last time he scored at Craven Cottage was Boxing Day 2015. "It's the story of our season", manager Marco Silva said, when asked about impact of his bench this season.

Rodrigo Muniz’s opener was his fifth as a substitute. And the striker epitomised Fulham's tenacity to chase victory on the day, and punch above weight more broadly. "People didn't expect this at the beginning of the season, it’s never a problem for us." Silva added.

The squabble over European qualification intensifies and Fulham are more than in the race.

Silva warns of Spurs boost after Europa League success

Fulham boss Marco Silva expects Tottenham to be buoyed by their Europa League success when they visit Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Spurs kept their hopes of European glory alive with a 3-2 aggregate win over AZ Alkmaar to reach the quarter-finals on Thursday night, overcoming a 1-0 first-leg defeat.

And last weekend Tottenham asserted themselves late in the second half to salvage a 2-2 Premier League draw with Bournemouth, having trailed 2-0.

"Last Sunday a tough first half, great reaction in the second half," Silva told Fulham TV. "Then (in the Europa League) to be able to turn around the defeat from the first leg and they went through in the competition.

"And you know when you go through in an important competition and you go through the final stages, you know that gives you the confidence.

"I don't need to say, they recognise the last two, three months for them in terms of results have not been the best, but more than all of us they know why, and of course if they have a lot of injuries it's always much more difficult to handle and cope with that situation."

'Clearly our fault we lost' – Silva reflects Brighton loss

Marco Silva insisted Fulham only had themselves to blame for a last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Brighton.

Joao Pedro scored a stoppage-time penalty as the Seagulls finally beat Fulham in the Premier League at the 10th attempt.

Albion looked set to be frustrated by the Cottagers once again but Pedro’s spot-kick at the death settled the battle of the European hopefuls in Brighton’s favour and moved them up to sixth, just a point behind Manchester City in fourth.

Raul Jimenez’s well-taken opener for Fulham had earlier been cancelled out by Jan Paul van Hecke’s towering header from a free-kick in the first half.

“It’s a difficult one to take, to lose like we lost,” said Cottagers boss Silva. “But that’s the reality. It’s football. We gave them two moments.

“The first half from us was a good level, the second half I disagree. When the game was really quiet and we were completely in control, we conceded a goal from a free-kick.

“We gave them a chance and then it was not a good second half from us. It’s clearly our fault that we lost the game.”

The penalty, awarded in the seventh minute of added time, looked soft, with Pedro going down under Harrison Reed’s challenge.

But Silva added: “I’m not complaining. A clever striker felt contact and won the penalty.

“We expect this type of striker to do his job. If it was my side, I’d ask for a penalty.”

Report: Pedro's injury-time penalty moves Brighton up to sixth

Joao Pedro's injury-time penalty saw Brighton beat Fulham 2-1 at the Amex as Fabian Hurzeler's side moved up to sixth place in the Premier League.

Brighton 2-1 Fulham: Joao Pedro's injury-time penalty moves Seagulls up to sixth in Premier League

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WATCH FREE HIGHLIGHTS: BRIGHTON 2-1 FULHAM

WATCH: Iwobi on FA Cup, club legends and dressing room vibes

Silva's praise for Fulham players...

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been nominated for the Premier League’s manager of the month award for February, which he feels is testament to the efforts of his players.

“What gave me more satisfaction is that the team reacted really well after a very good end of November and December,” the Fulham boss said.

“The load of the games was very big, and January as a month was not the best. For me to be there means that the team did well in February.

“For me, that is the most important thing. The reaction from the team has been really good. We have been performing well.”

Fulham team news...

Fulham will be without midfielder Sasa Lukic as he starts a two-game ban after collecting 10 cautions in the Premier League, while winger Adama Traore is a doubt with an ankle injury picked up at Old Trafford.

Silva warns Fulham’s impressive away form will be tested by Brighton trip

Fulham boss Marco Silva feels his side’s top away form will come under a stern test when they head to Brighton against a team on an “incredible” run of results.

The Cottagers have not lost a Premier League fixture against Brighton since Silva took charge in the summer of 2021, with four wins out of five matches.

Having seen his side pick up four victories out of the last six away league games, as well as come through a penalty shoot-out at Manchester United to book a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, confidence in the Fulham squad is high.

However, Silva has warned against any sense of complacency when they head to the Amex Stadium on Saturday to face a Brighton team who have picked up maximum points from their past three league games, as well as progressing in the FA Cup with an extra-time win at Newcastle.

“It [our record against Brighton] gives us confidence, definitely, but all those games were really difficult because they are a really good side,” Silva said.

“They always create a lot of problems, a really offensive side that is always playing with two strikers, the wide players are really quick, and it is always difficult to play against them.

“They have been on an incredible run of results as well after the heavy [7-0] defeat against Nottingham Forest, they reacted really well.”

Silva added: “Our away form has been top as well so far, and it is going to be a really good game, in my opinion.

“It is always good when you have a very good record. The reality is that it gives us and our fans the confidence that we can repeat again, and let us hope we can get a good result.”

Silva says Man Utd win was an important result

Marco Silva says Fulham have moved on from their FA Cup victory at Manchester United.

Fulham progressed to the last eight of the FA Cup on Sunday with a penalty shoot-out victory at Old Trafford, their first success against United in the competition since 1908.

"It was really important for us, it was our goal," boss Silva told ffc.tv ahead of their Premier League trip to Brighton on Saturday.

"The time for celebrations was after the match with the fans. The players had their moment as well.

"The focus straight away was on the next game. We haven't won anything. We have gone through to the next round of the competition, nothing more.

"We have to be proud we are playing in the quarter-final, but just that. We have to be realistic and keep our feet on the ground.

"We must be humble enough to understand what we want from ourselves.

"To think big you have to realise it was good, it was important, but nothing more than that."

Fulham condemn Bassey online abuse

Fulham have condemned a series of racist messages directed at defender Calvin Bassey online.

Bassey shared on Snapchat a number of screengrabs of messages he received via Instagram, the contents of which Sky Sports News will not repeat.

Fulham have said today: “The club is utterly appalled at the racist and homophobic abuse received and subsequently shared by Calvin Bassey on social media after yesterday’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United.

“We strongly condemn this abhorrent behaviour which has no place in football or society. Such actions are entirely unacceptable, and we stand in full support of Calvin Bassey, who will continue to receive our full backing.

“We will do everything in our power to work with the relevant authorities in identifying the perpetrators of these vile messages and taking the strongest form of action against them.

“Fulham Football Club is committed to maintaining a firm stance against all forms of discrimination and remains dedicated to fostering an environment of respect and inclusion.”

Leno 'one of the best'

Bernd Leno's save from Chido Obi in extra-time helped take the game to penalties and his subsequent stops in the shoot-out ensured that Fulham beat Manchester United in their FA Cup clash at Old Trafford.

His head coach praised the German afterwards. "Not just because he defended the penalties," said Marco Silva.

"We waited a long time for him to come to our football club. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League in my opinion. He has been showing that week in, week out and he showed that at Arsenal and Leverkusen too."

Player ratings: Leno the hero for Fulham at Man Utd

Man Utd: Onana (5), Mazraoui (6), Yoro (6), Maguire (6), De Ligt (6), Dalot (7), Fernandes (7), Ugarte (5), Eriksen (6), Hojlund (5), Zirkzee (5).

Subs: Lindelof (5), Garnacho (7), Casemiro (6), Obi (7), Heaven (6).

Fulham: Leno (8), Castagne (6), Andersen (6), Bassey (7), Robinson (7), Berge (7), Lukic (7), Traore (5), Pereira (6), Iwobi (6), Muniz (6).

Subs: Smith Rowe (7), Willian (6), Jimenez (6), Reed (n/a), Sessegnon (n/a).

Player of the match: Bernd Leno.

Man Utd 1-1 Fulham (Pens 3-4): Joshua Zirkzee and Victor Lindelof penalties saved in FA Cup shoot-out as holders exit

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Fulham drawn against Crystal Palace in FA Cup quarters

Fulham will host Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarter-finals after knocking out Manchester United on penalties.

The four last-eight ties are scheduled to take place across the weekend of March 29/30.

FA Cup quarter-finals draw: Bournemouth to host Man City, Fulham to play Palace, Aston Villa face Preston

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Ange Postecoglou says it is no surprise that Tottenham Hotspur are getting back to winning ways now their injured players are starting to return to fitness, after progressing to the Europa League quarter-finals with victory over AZ Alkmaar.

Tottenham were able to start with both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero in the heart of their defence for the first time since a 4-3 home defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League back in December for their crucial last-16 second-leg tie with AZ.

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The pair helped the hosts beat the Eredivisie side 3-1 on the night (3-2 on aggregate) to set up a quarter-final with Eintracht Frankfurt, with Postecoglou quick to point out the importance of finally seeing some of his injured stars back playing again.

"It's no coincidence that we're getting some of our key players back," he said after the match. "Also the guys are getting some decent recovery between games.

"I'm able to change the team a fair bit. Don't forget, Sonny [Heung-Min Son] and [James] Maddison didn't start on the weekend [in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth]. We can do these things that allow us to prepare the team properly."

With the last-eight meeting with Frankfurt not until April, Postecoglou now has some crucial time to build up those returning players' fitness levels.

"We did look more like ourselves, but we've still got levels to go because I still think guys like Romero, Micky, Wilson [Odobert], Dom [Solanke] and all these guys are still building their way back up to match fitness and match sharpness," he added.

"It's why they're here, they're quality players. Romero and Micky make such a big difference to us and you saw Wilson, we've hardly had him this year, what a super talent he is.

"I guess with the quarter-finals almost three and a half weeks away, it's a great opportunity for us to get these guys up to speed for that game."

Overall, the Australian was delighted with how his players performed on a night when the pressure really was on the hosts, with their season on the line having exited both domestic cup competitions, while they are languishing down in 13th place in the Premier League.

"I'm super pleased we progressed, which was the main thing, played pretty well as well, we were really in control of the game, but we are our own worst enemy at times," he said.

"When we were in control, we let them back into the game and it got a bit nervy towards the end, but we thoroughly deserved to progress.

"We were in control for most of it, playing some good football, playing in their half, they hardly created a chance on goal, we then got our goals, but gave away a silly goal after a mix up and it got a bit nervy.

"We got a good third, had a chance to get a fourth and kill the game off, but it is a European tie, everyone is on edge and in the end we wanted to progress and that is what we did.

"We scored a great goal from the press and started the second half really well, really should've put the tie away in the first 15-20 minutes, but super pleased for the boys."

Maddison: We have not achieved anything yet

After scoring Spurs' second goal of the night, Maddison urged his team-mates to build on the result over the closing months of the season.

"It's what we set out to do at the start of the two legs. There was a lot of talk after last week's performance and we were honest with ourselves, we were not good enough," he told TNT Sports.

"I knew what we were capable of here in front of our fans and we got the job done.

"We have not achieved anything yet, we are into the quarter-finals and we kick on and look forward to it.

"Over the last few months when we've spoken about injuries and missing key players, then tonight, we're stood in the tunnel and you look at the team and it's a group of men. When you have the spine of players who are experienced and have played at this level for a long time it makes a difference.

"Micky [Van de Ven] and Cuti [Romero], solid at the back and it was a solid performance and we're deservedly through.

"Wilson Odobert will grab the headlines tonight and rightly so, two goals and he was a threat, and I thought he was absolutely fantastic. I'm going to go give him a big pat on the back."

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Tottenham overcame a one-goal deficit to keep their trophy hopes alive with a 3-1 (3-2 aggregate) win over AZ Alkmaar in north London thanks to Wilson Odobert and James Maddison.

Last week, a tepid performance in Alkmaar saw Spurs leave the Netherlands with their tails between their legs, needing a response at home to stay in the competition.

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

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Buoyed by familiar support, Odobert netted his first Spurs goal to give his side the lead on the night and level the aggregate score.

Spurs' confidence grew with Heung-Min Son going close on a couple of occasions before the break, but their ascendancy also served to spark AZ, who were nearly handed a goal by Cristian Romero after a sloppy episode gifted Zico Burmeester an opportunity.

AZ smelt blood but despite an energetic start to the second period, Spurs quickly found themselves two goals to the good, when Maddison curled home from inside the box, set up by Son.

Peer Koopmeiners pounced on a Spurs mistake to give his side a lifeline but a fine team goal, finished off by Odobert, ensured victory for Ange Postecoglou's side as the Australian manager looks to maintain his promise of silverware in his second season.

Spurs now look forward to a quarter-final against Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt who beat Ajax 6-2 across two legs.

A blend of youth and experience wins it for Spurs

For the first time since October, Ange Postecoglou could start his 'leadership group'. The quartet of Cristian Romero, James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario and Heung-Min Son all started as part of a strong Spurs line-up. It was with these four that Spurs would catalyse their comeback.

Son was involved in the first when his high press on Goes forced an error at the back as a front-foot Spurs took the lead. Maddison, scorer of the second, would also drive his team up the pitch for the third, beginning an impressive team goal finished off by Odobert for his brace.

Odobert, the 20-year-old summer signing from Burnley, opened his Spurs account on a night where Lucas Bergvall, 18, put right the wrongs of his first-leg own-goal with a controlled presence deep in midfield, was withdrawn late in the second half to a standing ovation, with those present appreciative of his industry and effort to give Spurs' season a lifeline.

Postecoglou had what he would feel is very close to his strongest side and it paid off. The mix of youth and experience has given Spurs fans something, at the very least, to look forward to.

Maddison: We have not achieved anything yet

Spurs' James Maddison to TNT Sports:

"It's what we set out to do at the start of the two legs, there was a lot of talk after last week's performance and we were honest with ourselves, we were not good enough. I knew what we were capable of here in front of our fans and we got the job done.

"We have not achieved anything yet. We are into the quarter-finals and we kick on and look forward to it.

"Over the last few months, when we've spoken about injuries and missing key players, then tonight, we're stood in the tunnel and you look at the team and it's a group of men. When you have the spine of players who are experienced and have played at this level for a long time, it makes a difference.

"Micky [Van de Ven] and Cuti [Romero], solid at the back and it was a solid performance and we're deservedly through.

"Wilson Odobert will grab the headlines tonight and rightly so, two goals and he was a threat, and I thought he was absolutely fantastic. I'm going to go give him a big pat on the back."

Postecoglou: The players were aware of the outside noise

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou:

"The way we handled it tonight was important. As much as you try and block out the outside noise, it doesn't bother me, but I'm sure the players and the whole club were aware of it tonight. It was a big night for us. When you're already 1-0 down, you can get really anxious about it, but I never felt that.

"Up until we gave them their first goal, I just thought the lads were just handling it superbly. They were in control, we looked strong, we looked dominant, we looked aggressive, a little threatening in the front third, all the things we wanted to be.

"I've always been positive but I've always been encouraged. My mood is not dictated by the outside, it's dictated by internal things.

"I've never wavered from the fact that I've said consistently that when we're at our best, we can compete with anyone.

"We get an opportunity now to build up some of our players and hopefully still get some significant talent out that could be coming back. All those kind of things are going to be helpful for us to reach the levels we need."

What's coming up in the Europa League?

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