Friday 17 February 2017 09:06, UK
Mauricio Pochettino admits Tottenham have run into a "bad period" but wants to bring an end to it this weekend following Thursday's defeat to Gent.
Spurs' disappointing night in Belgium was also compounded by Harry Kane sustaining a knock to his knee and while the striker later suggested the injury was not serious, he is unlikely to be risked against Fulham in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Jeremy Perbet's second-half winner secured Gent a 1-0 victory at the Ghelamco Arena and leaves Tottenham with work to do in next week's second leg at Wembley if they want to progress.
The loss also continues a worrying dip in form for Pochettino's men, who have won only two of their last six matches after winning their previous seven in a row. They have scored only once in their last four.
"That is the reality. It sometimes happens," Pochettino said. "Good and bad things happen. We've started now a bad period. I hope, on Sunday, we break that negative run.
"It's not about confidence... We were wrong with our judgement if we think, because of Liverpool, it's only about confidence."
Tottenham's poor performance was all the more surprising given Pochettino fielded a strong team, that included the likes of Kane, Dele Alli, Moussa Dembele and Toby Alderweireld.
Kane was seen walking out of the stadium, seemingly unhindered, and when asked whether he would be fit for the game at Craven Cottage, Pochettino added: "Yes, it should be fine.
Pochettino, however, suggested he would rotate for the fifth-round tie, saying: "I think we need to assess some players. Harry Kane got a knock on his knee, different players too.
"We need to refresh the team and we'll do that. Tottenham will play in Fulham on Sunday. It's not the name of the players, it's the club. We'll see, but we'll put out a team with aims to win and be ready again to compete."
