Thursday 15 September 2016 10:46, UK
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame playing at Wembley for his side's 2-1 defeat to Monaco in the Champions League.
With the capacity at White Hart Lane reduced due to redevelopment, Spurs have opted to play their European matches at Wembley this season.
And a record attendance for an English club watched at the national stadium as the Ligue 1 leaders moved to the top of Group E, but Pochettino refused to blame the move to Wembley, stating a lack of passion from his side as a reason for the defeat.
When asked whether the result would have been different at White Hart Lane, the Argentinean said: "That's an excuse. Football is on the pitch, on the grass.
"We need to improve and learn that we cannot concede the goals that we conceded. We need to be aggressive in possession.
"We showed a lack of passion today," he added. "We cannot concede the goal we conceded. That is the truth.
"That is the way we spoke in the changing room. We all agree. It's a shame because today was a good opportunity to give to our fans a good performance and a victory. It's a shame."
Tottenham returned to the Champions League for the first time in five seasons but they found themselves 2-0 down after goals from Bernardo Silva and Thomas Lemar.
Toby Alderweireld pulled a goal back for the hosts right on the stroke of half-time, but Spurs could not find an equaliser despite dominating the second half.
"I think we were better than Monaco, but we need to show more, and more, and more," Pochettino said.
"We need to create more and be more aggressive. We gave the possibility for Monaco to play deep and go on the counter-attack. They played in a comfortable situation.
"When I talk about passion, it's to feel more. I think it was a fantastic opportunity. We wait a lot to play Champions League.
"We fought a lot last season to be here, and then you feel: 'Why didn't we do more?'"
