Joao Palhinha admitted the next few days will be tough for Tottenham Hotspur, but the midfielder believes the pain of their UEFA Super Cup defeat will fuel something “special” in the future.
The 30-year-old made his competitive debut for Spurs in Wednesday’s clash against Paris Saint-Germain in Udine after joining on an initial loan deal from Bayern Munich.
He was one of the standout performers on the night. He had a decent game as Tottenham went 2-0 up through Micky van de Ven and new captain Cristian Romero.
It was his acrobatic effort that was tipped onto the bar by PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier that led to Van de Ven’s opener as the Dutchman clinically poked home the rebound.
Palhinha was taken off in the 72nd minute to manage his match fitness, but it turned out to be an ill-fated move as Spurs lost their grip on the game following his withdrawal.
PSG hit back late through Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos before edging the penalty shoot-out 4-3.
Even after coming off, Palhinha was an animated figure in the technical area, urging his teammates on so energetically that the fourth official told him to take a seat.
Palhinha backs Tottenham to come back stronger
Speaking after the match, the former Fulham man admitted the dressing room was shaken by the defeat.
“We are really sad,” he said via Football London. “I think today and tomorrow will be tough for us to digest that loss.
“But I think we also need to feel proud for what we did until the 80 minutes. I think we showed what we are here to get in the future.
“I think we have all the conditions to achieve this season, and I think the future will bring us something special.
Palhinha described the loss as the “lottery of football,” saying Spurs deserved more from a performance that matched the Champions League holders stride for stride.
But with the Premier League opener just days away, he believes he and his teammates don’t have time to dwell on the defeat.
Tottenham kick off the new Premier League campaign against Burnley on Saturday.