Nuno says Spurs ´feel-good factor´ vanished in shock Conference League defeat

Nuno Espirito Santo said Tottenham were “sad” and must find a reaction after losing 1-0 to Pacos de Ferreira in Thursday’s Europa Conference League qualifying play-off.

The first-leg loss at Estadio Capital do Movel came as Nuno made 11 changes following last Sunday’s Premier League victory over champions Manchester City.

Harry Kane was again not involved amid ongoing links with City, and Tottenham’s second string failed to impress, although a second leg next week in London gives them a chance to repair the damage.

“Not a good performance. We lost too many passes and their goal came from that. We were unbalanced,” said Spurs head coach Nuno.

“The decision was to give minutes to the players, mix players to give them minutes, but it takes time and it was not so good. Individually some players were good, but as a team, we weren’t organised enough. We need to be more compact.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game and it was very complicated. It would need better decisions from us. We know we have a second leg, but we will not think about it today.

“We have to analyse this match. We have an important game in the Premier League and then we will think about the second leg.”

Nuno gives his verdict on tonight’s result. pic.twitter.com/rKcEEtzJH9

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 19, 2021

Tottenham face Wolves at Molineux on Sunday, with Nuno looking for a major improvement against his former club.

The Spurs personnel for that game stands to be largely different, but Nuno said the positive impact of the City result had been scuppered by the loss in Portugal and he wants that back.

“Nobody wants to lose, nobody wants not to play well. The feel-good factor disappeared,” Nuno said. “This is football, ups, and downs. Tomorrow we work and prepare for the other games. Football gives you a chance immediately.

“We didn’t like it as a group. We are disappointed. We are sad. But we know we have to react and we will start to do that tomorrow, preparing for the next match.”