2026-03-19 11:42:20
Igor Tudor had mixed emotions as Tottenham were knocked out of the Champions League.
Spurs recorded the first win of the interim coach’s tenure with a 3-2 victory against Atletico Madrid – bowing out of the competition with a 7-5 aggregate defeat – in Wednesday’s (18.03.26) last 16 second leg and the coach expressed regret about last week’s 5-2 loss in Spain after a spirited display on home soil.
Tudor told reporters: “The sensation and feelings are mixed.
“Of course, we are out, but it was a sensation of one very good team on the pitch, one very good performance of the players.
“The energy was very nice. From the first moment, the fans recognised that the team will try to do everything they can do, so from the first moment until the last moment, they were with us, it was beautiful.
“After seeing today, there is even more questions about the first game. If it didn’t happen, what happened, I believe we have a good chance to pass against Atletico Madrid.”
The Champions League exit means that Spurs won’t play European football next season but Tudor thinks the club can soon make a return to continental competition.
The Croatian coach said: “Next year, no. The year after that, [we] can go again. Why not?
“Winning [the Europa League] trophy last season gave confidence to the players, for sure. It’s totally different if you have this experience in European competition, with a lot of players who win that
“This gives you more confidence when you play European competition games.
“We saw this even today. When you are the [Europa League] winner and you come to play today, you feel strong. They showed this on the pitch from the first moment.”
Visit Bang Premier (main website)
