Wednesday 23 November 2016 10:27, UK
Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham need to add quality to the side in the coming transfer windows if they are to compete in the Champions League.
Spurs were knocked out at the group stage with a 2-1 defeat by Monaco on Tuesday night, meaning Pochettino's first campaign in the competition ended in disappointment.
Speaking after the game, the Argentine admitted his side need to improve if they are to deal with the intensity of playing two games in a week.
Pochettino said: "It is good for us to learn from this for the future if we are going to be in the Champions League next season and try to compete in that and the Premier League, maybe we need to make changes.
"It was a good challenge for us to show the real level. It's true after two-and-a-half years we closed the gap between the top clubs. But to be competitive in the Champions League and Premier League we need to show more - and maybe to add real quality.
"I think it's better to be in the Europa League, it would be good for the club. We are in a process and a period where we need to improve.
"To play Saturday then Tuesday-Wednesday is like you play the Premier League continuously. We struggled to be ready to compete in every game.
"Maybe we feel bad now, disappointed, but tomorrow is another day. We need to be optimistic in the club. We need to compete. Saturday will be a very big game, and go to Chelsea and try to win the game."
Despite Harry Kane equalising for Spurs with a second-half penalty, Monaco went ahead barely 40 seconds later, and Pochettino's side failed to find the vital leveller again.
"The first half was a little bit open, it was a good game. Second half we concede the first goal, get back in with the penalty, and it's hard to see how we conceded the second goal - that's a bit disappointing.
"Monaco was better after we conceded the second goal - we gave them more space. We struggled a little bit to manage the game, and concede a lot of chances to Monaco.
"It was a very competitive game like in Wembley. We didn't have enough luck, didn't show enough quality. We are now not in the next round of the Champions League so we need to forget and be ready for the next game against Chelsea."
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