Michel's Besiktas regret

Michel Vorm put Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Besiktas down to a temporary loss of concentration.

Cenk Tosun swept home from close range with an hour gone at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium – netting what proved to be the only goal of the game as we finished the group stage in second spot behind the Turkish side.

We created a handful of chances at the other end, particularly in the first half, but we ultimately left empty-handed on the night.

Goalkeeper Michel, making his second Europa League appearance of the season, admitted lessons will be learned as a result of the match – but remains optimistic for the next stage of the competition.

“We are very disappointed,” said the 31-year-old. “When you play Besiktas away you know it won’t be easy, but over the 90 minutes they created two chances and scored one goal.

“We created enough chances to score at least two or three and at this level you have to take those chances because it would then have been easier for us.

“We lost concentration for one minute and lost the game but that’s football. It’s something we have to learn from.”

The draw for the Round of 32 takes place on Monday and Michel for one is excited at the potential of testing ourselves against another top European side.

“Now it’s the knockout phase which we’re looking forward to,” he added. “There are a few big teams coming down from the Champions League now as well, and we’re looking forward to taking on another opponent.”