LONDON (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino said he was living the dream in the build-up to their Champions League semi-final against Ajax Amsterdam but it must have felt like a nightmare at times against the classy Dutch side on Tuesday.
His patched-up team were comprehensively outplayed in the first 30 minutes and were fortunate to only concede a 15th minute goal that was coolly converted by Donny van de Beek to give the visitors a 1-0 win and a precious away strike.
With forwards Harry Kane and Son Heung-min unavailable through injury and suspension respectively, Spurs were blunt in attack and they also lacked creativity in midfield as they slumped to their 18th defeat of the season in all competitions.
To make matters worse Jan Vertonghen, one of three centre backs employed by Pochettino, had to be substituted in the first half after a sickening collision with team mate Toby Alderweireld left him with concussion and a bloody nose.
"The attitude was there but we didn't find a way to play," said Pochettino, who has led Tottenham to their first semi-final in Europe's blue-riband club competition for 57 years.
"We didn't show the energy that we wanted to show. They showed more energy than us. The way we conceded the goal was painful. They were more proactive than us.
"Our approach to the game was not good. I am the manager so I have responsibility."
Despite an improved second-half display, Spurs managed only one effort on target as they lost at their new stadium for the second time in four days and there is a suspicion that they are running on empty at the end of a demanding season.
POCHETTINO HOPEFUL
Tottenham face a crucial trip to Bournemouth in the Premier League this weekend as they seek to secure a top-four finish to guarantee qualification for next season's Champions League.
After that they must go to Amsterdam where they will bid to become only the second side to reach the final having lost the first leg at home -- after Ajax managed the feat in 1996.
Pochettino, however, remains hopeful that his side can turn things around next week when his prolific South Korean striker Son will be available again after his suspension.
"We pushed them to play deeper (in the second half). We started to press in the way we wanted to press. The second half has given us the hope for the second leg," he said.
The Argentine coach was also asked to clarify the situation with former Ajax defender Vertonghen, who needed lengthy treatment to stem the bleeding from a gash on his nose before it appeared he was ready to go back on and continue playing.
The clearly-groggy Belgian international was then helped off the field as it became clear he could not continue.
"I wasn't involved. It was the doctor's decision. It is so important," Pochettino said. "The rules and the protocol were there and the medical staff followed them.
"In the next action we had to take him out. The most important thing is the health of the player. I am never going to be involved. I only need to listen and hear what they say and take a decision. I will never debate their decision."
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Ken Ferris)
