Mauricio's verdict on Colchester

Mauricio Pochettino could only talk of disappointment after we were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Colchester United on Tuesday evening.

The home side won the third round tie 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes at the JobServe Community Stadium. Erik Lamela, Heung-Min Son and Dele were successful in the shoot-out but Christian Eriksen and Lucas Moura missed our first and fifth penalties, allowing Tom Lapslie to fire the U’s through.

“I’m very disappointed, like all the team,” said Mauricio. “We feel bad because after 90 minutes, we couldn’t find a way through to score the one goal to beat them. It’s tough.

“I think the commitment and effort were very good. The effort was there but we didn’t have the capacity to break them down. They defended well. All I can say is that I’m disappointed.”

It’s the first time Mauricio has lost to a lower league team in domestic cup competition – this was the 18th time we’ve faced such opponents in the League or FA Cup during his time in charge.

“Perhaps that means it was always going to happen,” he added. “I’m disappointed but what we need to do is work hard and stay together to change the dynamic and start to prepare for the game against Southampton.”

We return to Premier League action against Southampton at home on Saturday (3pm).