Sunday 25 January 2015 07:30, UK
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino insists he was right to rotate his squad despite FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Leicester.
Spurs looked to be heading for victory at White Hart Lane after Andros Townsend's penalty had given them the lead against the Premier League strugglers, who were not really threatening.
However, two late goals put the visitors through to the fifth round, much to the delight of the travelling Foxes faithful.
Pochettino had retained just two players who started the midweek Capital One Cup semi-final win over Sheffield United, but offered no excuses for the defeat.
"This (rotation) is our way since the beginning of our season, and I do not think this is a reason to justify the result," Pochettino said.
"During the game we played well, but you need to kill the game.
"We created chances, but also gave Leicester the chance to be alive.
"We are out of the FA Cup, and for that I am very disappointed."
Pochettino insisted the defeat will not affect his team's confidence ahead of the upcoming return leg against Sheffield United, and leaped to the defence of Michel Vorm, who was at fault for Leicester's winner.
"We need to show character and we need to go to Sheffield and try to get the victory,” Pochettino added.
“Michel (Vorm) has experience and is a strong character.
"This is football. I’m happy with his performance. We’re disappointed with the result because we wanted to go through to the next round.”
