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Cape Town - Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino tried to look on the bright side after his side's 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League on Thursday.
A 3-0 defeat in the first-leg in Germany gave Spurs a mountain to climb at White Hart Lane, where goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 24th and 70th minutes ensured the win for BVB before Son Heung-min scored a consolation in the 73rd minute.
"I'm happier than I was last week in Germany," Pochettino said. "We competed well and we need to take positives. I'm disappointed, yes, but I feel proud of our players.
"I think our performance improved a lot and we were a little unlucky because their [first] goal was unbelievable and that was at a moment where we were managing the game."
Although the 5-1 aggregate defeat disappointed the Argentine manager, he may well be pleased to exit the competition as it will allow Spurs to focus their attention and resources on the final weeks of the Premier League.
The north London side are second in the league standings, five points behind Leicester City with eight games left to play, including Sunday's match at home to Bournemouth.
"They have put in a massive effort from the beginning of the season and we're now in a position in the table where we can try to win every game and try to fight for the Premier League," Pochettino continued.
"So for now, we need to take the positives and be ready for Sunday."
