Lloris: Spurs’ Europa League exit a ‘disgrace’

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Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris said their shock Europa League exit after Thursday’s 3-0 defeat by Dinamo Zagreb was a “disgrace” and reflected deeper issues at the club.

Spurs were favorites to reach the quarterfinals after securing a 2-0 lead from the first leg in London but Zagreb stormed back with a sensational hat trick from Mislav Orsic to claim a 3-2 aggregate victory.

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Manager Jose Mourinho accused his players of lacking professionalism after the defeat and Lloris echoed his comments.

“I think we are more than disappointed, it is a disgrace,” Lloris said. “I hope everyone in the changing room feels responsible.

“The taste of defeat is more than painful. We are a club full of ambition, I just think at the moment it is a reflection of what is going on in the club.

“We have a lack of basics, fundamentals, our performances are just in the relation to that. Mentally we should be stronger, more competitive.”

The France goalkeeper said Tottenham, who was also heavily criticized for a poor performance in Sunday’s north London derby loss at Arsenal, had underestimated the Croatian champions.

“When you are not ready at this level, you pay,” he added. “There is quality everywhere and if you don’t respect the opponent they can punish you, that’s what happened.”

Tottenham, who is eighth in the Premier League, visits Aston Villa on Sunday.

Source: espn.co.uk