Postecoglou on criticism, injuries and Aston Villapublished at 12:47 7 February
Henry Brownsey
BBC Sport journalist
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup game at Aston Villa (kick-off 17:35 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On the Carabao Cup exit: "It was a disappointing night for the club we didn't perform to the levels we needed to and Liverpool were too good for us." He added that the squad got home at 02:00 GMT on Friday.
On the criticism the team has received: "I get the pile-on at the moment. It's really easy for people to stick their boots in and question the players - but I don't question. We were disappointed last night didn't go the way we wanted and we didn't perform at the levels - but that doesn't define this group of players in my eyes."
He added: "We're an easy mark at the moment. Obviously, making a semi-final is an absolute disaster because we didn't play well. I assume not making a semi-final would've put us in a better place."
He retains his confidence in the group: "I have a great deal of belief in these players, what they're going through and how they're dealing with it."
On whether experienced players have not stepped up in big games and opportunities need to be given to younger players: "We're giving opportunities to everyone, I don't think you can be too harsh on them. I don't put any responsibility on the senior players last night. As a collective, we didn't tackle the challenge we had in the manner we needed to."
Asked how long it will take to bridge the gap to Liverpool, Postecoglou said: "Vicario, Romero, Destiny, Van de Ven, Solanke, Odobert... I could go on and on. We had 10 senior players missing. If you take seven or eight key players from any team and you're playing the best team in the league at the best, I don't think you make judgements in these moments."
None of the injured players will be fit to return against Villa, but Dane Scarlett will be back available after being cup-tied on Thursday. Richarlison was "emotional" after picking up another injury and it is another "setback we and him have got to deal with".
Postecoglou is hopeful Tottenham will have "two or three back for the Manchester United game. We've got two full weeks of training and we should get the majority of these players back with a bit of luck - providing we don't lose anyone else."
Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel made their debuts for the club at Anfield and Postecoglou said: "I thought they were really good. I'm sure they will help us, and they'll feel better after getting their first game under their belts."
On if there's added pressure on Sunday's game: "It's the same pressure - a knockout game and you've got to get a result to progress. Villa are a good side and it's going to be a challenge but there's an opportunity for us there and we want to make sure we tackle it in the right way."
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