Manager Pochettino may stay at Tottenham despite UCL defeat

"In five years at Tottenham the project was so clear, our ambition was amazing, and the commitment from the players was amazing -- the club played their first Champions League final." Pochettino made the decision to start Harry Kane, despite the striker not playing a match in almost two months. Kane had just recovered from an ankle injury and struggled for chances against a resilient Liverpool defence. "It's not about playing with Harry Kane or Lucas Moura," Pochettino said. "We had to make a decision and of course for me, Harry Kane after one month and a half finished the game fresh.

"He didn't score like other players but it's not a point to talk about too much. My decision I promise was about analytics and thinking with all the information. I don't regret my decision." Spurs were never at their best during a subdued match at the Wanda Metropolitano, forced to chase the game after Moussa Sissoko conceded a penalty after 23 seconds. "You never believe that after one minute you're going to be 1-0 down, a situation that not only changed our plans, it changed the dynamic (of the game)," Pochettino said. "I'm very proud with the effort, how we fought. We played so well, we played so well in the second half. I feel so proud, there is nothing else to say."

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