Tottenham had a 'bad day' against Borussia Dortmund, admits Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino has admitted Tottenham endured "a bad day" during tonight's 3-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash.
The Argentine coach made seven changes to the side which drew with Arsenal at the weekend, which saw Nacer Chadli lead the line in Harry Kane's absence.
Despite an initial bright start, an under strength Spurs struggled to curb the hosts' attacking threat and often found their full backs pinned back.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang headed home the opening goal before Marco Reus added two second-half strikes to put the Bundesliga outfit firmly in control of the tie.
Pochettino insisted he would not complain about Tottenham's missing players but conceded that his side did not perform as he had hoped at the Westfalenstadion.
"It is difficult to explain but a bad day and I'm disappointed with our performance," he told BT Sport.
"We did not play well. That is why we lost the game."
Despite Dortmund's three goal advantage, Pochettino refused to admit that the tie was over and urged Spurs to bounce back at White Hart Lane next week.
"We need to fight in the return leg next week. Three nil is not a good result for us but we still need to keep working hard and try next Thursday.
"This was our first time losing 3-0 this season. We need to be calm and be sure it doesn't happen again," he insisted.
Spurs must now turn their attention back to the Premier League title race as they travel to Aston Villa on Sunday before entertaining Dortmund in north London next Thursday.
ArticleTottenham had a 'bad day' against Borussia Dortmund, admits PochettinoPremier LeagueTottenhamMauricio PochettinoEuropa LeagueBorussia Dortmund