Hugo Lloris says Tottenham must learn to control games if they want to be a “top team”, but insists results are more important than performances in the first half of the season before the World Cup.
Spurs took a big step towards qualification for the Champions League knockout stage with a 3-2 home win over Eintracht Frankfurt last night, but what should have been a routine second half finished edgily, after the 10-man visitors scored in the 87th minute and Harry Kane missed a penalty.
Spurs came from behind to establish total control inside half an hour through Heung-min Son’s brilliant double and a successful Kane spot kick, but failed to have a shot on target after Tuta was sent off on the hour.
Lloris was left with mixed feelings about a result which put Spurs top of Group D, but says the most important thing is to still be in the competition when the season resumes post-Qatar.
“Maybe we thought the game was over,” said skipper Lloris. “But at this level, there is no easy game, even against 10 men. You have to be more focused and avoid this type of ending. But we’re happy with the three points.
“We should have been more able to control the game in the second half. At some point we started to do a little bit less effort. Obviously, there were a lot of changes, but it’s part of the game and a good opportunity for the players who came on.
“We work so hard every day that you can understand that we can be frustrated after a game like this one, because we should have managed the game better. But I’m happy with the three points, that’s the most important thing and we had a great reaction after [conceding].
“But it’s just this feeling with ups and downs. When you want to be a top team you have to be able to control games like this one better.
“We want to get the points and be in a good position before the World Cup, in the Premier League and every competition in which we’re involved. But we know that to arrive at this level we need to perform well. We’re capable of performing well, but we’re still looking for improvement.”
Spurs will reach the knockout stage with a game to spare if they beat Sporting at home in two weeks’ time, and will be confirmed as group winners if they win and Frankfurt beat Marseille.
Next up is Everton’s visit on Saturday, and Antonio Conte was able to rest key players in the second half, including Eric Dier, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Son.
“When we have the possibility to control games, you can save a lot of energy,” added Lloris. “But in the way we finished, I don’t think we saved energy. In two weeks’ time, there will be another final against Sporting and we have to create a special atmosphere — the players but also the fans — to make sure we get the win we need to ensure qualification.”
