Hugo: 'We have to be ready for Thursday'

Dust ourselves down and look to start another winning run on Thursday in Europe – that's the message from goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris as Saturday's defeat at Liverpool fades in the rear view mirror.

The French international was as disappointed as anyone at the manner of our performance at Anfield, but with the games coming thick and fast over the next couple of weeks, he wants us to refocus quickly.

The response to our last loss was excellent as we went 11 games unbeaten following a 1-0 reverse at Manchester United in mid-December and with a trip to Belgian side KAA Gent up next as we enter the UEFA Europa League at the round of 32 stage, we've an opportunity to respond positively.

“It’s not the end,” insisted Hugo as he assessed where the Liverpool result leaves us. “There are a lot of games ahead, different competitions and we’re going to try to push as high as possible.

“We need to keep our chins up, keep working hard and be ready for the next game on Thursday.”

In order to return to winning ways, Hugo believes renewed passion from that which was displayed against the Reds will be key.

“We cannot be surprised about Liverpool’s performance because they are used to playing at this level against top teams. We normally do better,” he said, reflecting on Saturday’s match.

“It’s true, at home we manage better this kind of performance in terms of intensity and aggression. It’s not the first time in an away game that we’ve been missing something in our performance. It’s the basics in football – it’s not about tactics, not about technique but about desire and passion.”