Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo said the club’s “feelgood factor disappeared” as they were beaten by Pacos de Ferreira in the Europa Conference League play-off first leg.
He left the entire starting XI from Sunday’s 1-0 win over Manchester City – and Harry Kane – at home.
They were very poor in Portugal.
Lucas Silva ran in behind Cristian Romero too easily to latch on to Nuno Santos’ through ball and slot into the bottom corner for the only goal.
“Nobody likes to lose a game,” said Nuno. “Nobody likes to not play good. The feelgood factor disappeared. This is football, ups and downs. The players have to bounce back.”
Spurs did not manage a single shot on target – but Nuno said he did not underestimate the hosts and would pick the same team again.
“The decision was to try to give minutes to players, to get minutes on their legs and increase the levels of fitness,” he said. “Of course things take some time.