Now is not the time to cry, says Spurs boss

Manager Mauricio Pochettino is determined to ensure Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League exit will not derail their whole season.

Spurs, trailing 1-0 to Gent from the round of 32 first leg, welcomed the Belgians to Wembley Stadium on Thursday, but a 2-2 draw on the night saw them limp out.

The result compounds a miserable season in Europe for Spurs, who exited the Champions League at the group stage.

But, third in the Premier League table and with an Emirates FA Cup quarter-final at home to Millwall on the horizon, Pochettino believes his team must instantly regroup and not blow their chance to fight for further honours.

“It is key to recover physically and mentally,” said Pochettino, whose team welcome Stoke City to White Hart Lane on Sunday.

“On Sunday we will pick a team that is fresh.

“We need to move on and forget that competition and try to be focused on Sunday, and ready to fight because the competition doesn’t wait for you.

“It always pushes you to give your best. Now is not the time to cry, but to move on and to start preparing for the game against Stoke.”