What were your reflections on the game?
If you've watched us a lot this year, I think it was probably about the season really. The second half we played the game for the majority in their half. We missed some big chances, Cavaleiro's chance that goes over is a massive chance. They enter our box three or four times and give away a penalty and the game is done really. In a snapshot that game was our season in one.
Would have preferred a better performance with the fans back?
I thought the performance was their second half, I didn't like us first half. I thought we lacked intensity, I thought the game was flat, I thought both teams were. I thought they injected pace at certain moments, they've got players that can do that.
I thought that in second half we were well improved and we did very well, we just didn’t manage to be on the right side of things.
The season has ended, what are the next steps for your future and the clubs planning?
We all need to take a breath. I think it’s probably wise to take a little bit of a breather, clear our minds and then come back with a plan of what we need to do and how we can be successful next year.
It’s a tough league that we are in next year. Seven or eight players leave this team now, seven or eight come back into it from loan spells.
It’s a new team again, a new stimulus and we need to work out what is the best way to go.
Are you looking for assurances from the club or will you be here come pre-season?
It's not something I'm thinking of. I want a break first and foremost. Me, my staff and players deserve that and then work out the best way for us to become stronger than we are.
No Aleksandar Mitrovic or Tom Cairney on the lap at the end, why?
Not sure. I was engrossed in the game. I can't answer that, I don't know exactly why.
Disappointing way to end the season?
Of course it was. Lost a game of football and disappointing with not getting a result.
Would you like to have seen more fight with fans back for the last game?
I don't think that was in question. I don't think you can question the fight or the determination- of the players. I will protect my players to anyone who points a finger at them about lack of effort and lack of fight because that is so unjust. If people want to point fingers at sometimes lack of quality, I can accept that and I'm sure the players can as well. First half was a slow game. We didn't put the speed into the game that we needed. Second half was a lot better. So, I don't agree with that.
Often when teams are relegated the manager comes under pressure, but you must have been happy with the reception from the returning fans? And motivation for next season?
The fans have been brilliant with me and the team for the time I’ve been here. I’m forever grateful for the support they have given us.
I realise how important they are, and I certainly realise how important it is for the manager to have the support of the fans.
The motivation this season was for the fans, the football club, the players, and for all of us to try and stay in this league and that will never fade away, that will be exactly the same again next year.
I’m sad that the fans have not been able to experience Premier League football this year; the quality on show, the players and the teams that have been here at the Cottage.
Our next challenge is to come back next year, support the team and try and get back into this league where we all want to be.
