‘We must apologize to the fans’: Hugo Lloris denounces Tottenham for a ‘lack of struggle’ and ‘second to every ball’ after collapsing to 6-1 defeat to Newcastle
Hugo Lloris has admitted Tottenham ‘lacked battle’ after collapsing to a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Newcastle stormed into a 5–0 lead after just 21 minutes, with Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak scoring twice and Joelinton also on target.
Harry Kane drew a consolation for Spurs early in the second half, before substitute Callum Wilson put Newcastle 6–1 ahead on his first touch.
Lloris, who was substituted at half-time with a hip muscle injury, admitted the Spurs team had to apologize for their performance.
The Tottenham captain admitted the team lacked pride and struggle against Newcastle.
Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris said the team had no pride after being thrashed by Newcastle
Newcastle beat Tottenham 6-1 in one of the most remarkable results of the season to date
Spurs trailed 5–0 after a disastrous opening in the 21st minute of the game
“It’s very embarrassing, we have to apologize to the fans,” Lloris told Sky Sports. “We didn’t put on a good face today. We couldn’t match Newcastle’s performance.
“We were late on all counts. We completely missed the first part of the game. It’s really painful today. It’s not about tactics, we couldn’t fight.
“Newcastle had a great performance. They were very aggressive and abusive.
It’s hard to judge. There was a lack of pride. Score four goals in 20 minutes. We couldn’t even react and bounce back.
“We can try to find excuses, but the first thing is that we miss the fight. If you go into football without the desire to show aggressiveness, it becomes very difficult.
“We cannot hide behind the club’s problems. We are professional, but today too much was missing. There was a level difference between Newcastle and Tottenham.
“We have two other very difficult games and bounce back.”
The defeat added to Tottenham’s mounting problems with Cristian Stellini temporarily in charge following the departure of Antonio Conte, while general manager Fabio Paratici resigned this week after failing to have his two-and-a-half-year ban overturned.
Spurs remain fifth in the Premier League after the defeat, but are now six points behind Newcastle and Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification.
Both Newcastle and Man United have a game credit at Spurs.