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Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris claims his side overcame a ‘psychological battle’ to win in Marseille… while stand-in boss Cristian Stellini admits the suspended Antonio Conte was ‘very tired’ from watching from the crowd
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Hugo Lloris praised the spirit and character of Tottenham as they fought back from behind to win in Marseille and reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
Spurs, with manager Antonio Conte confined to the stands as he sat out a suspension, lost at half time but equalized early in the second half when Clement Lenglet headed in his first goal for the club.
One point was enough to qualify, but Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s winner with the final kick of the match at the Stade Velodrome sent Conte’s team to the top of Group D.
Hugo Lloris believes Spurs have shown great character by coming from behind to beat Marseille
Spurs beautifully turned a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 and beat their Champions League group
They have been placed in Monday’s draw and will play the second leg of the last-16 home draw.
“It was a tough night and a great fight,” said Spurs captain Lloris. “I think it was even more of a psychological battle because we could feel there was a team playing without the fear of losing, it was Marseille.
‘We expected such a game. We know the Velodrome is a very difficult place to deal with and I think we showed a great personality in the second half.
“It’s a great result without a coach. It was probably even harder for him in the crowd.’
Lloris took the man of the match award after an excellent display in the Spurs goal
Spurs came back into the game in the second half with a header from Clement Lenglet (second from right)
Lloris was full of praise for his French compatriot after the win and progress in the last 16
Tottenham, who lost Son Heung-min injured in the first half, made another change at half time and sent Emerson Royal to Ryan Sessegnon.
Lloris, overjoyed with his great friend Lenglet, added. “Clement scored a very important goal in France in front of the French, it’s important and he helped the team get back on track and then Pierre’s second goal is just as important to take first place in the group.” to confirm.’
Assistant manager Cristian Stellini, who replaces Conte, said: “It was very difficult in the first half, but we didn’t lose our minds. We stayed in the game. It was a terrible goal that we conceded. We were not prepared and this is an important lesson for the future.
Stand-in boss Cristian Stellini (right) celebrates Tottenham’s win full-time
Spurs manager Antonio Conte served a suspension on the sidelines and watched in the stands
“Something changed in the second half. We talked a lot in the locker room about the energy we needed to press and control the game. We played a fantastic second half.
“We know very well that a knockout match in stadiums like this is not easy because it was very hot in the stadium in the first half.
‘I spoke to Antonio. He was very tired. It is not customary for him to be in the crowd.’
Match winner Hojbjerg also picked up a yellow card in the closing seconds, which will rule him out of the first leg of the last-16 draw.