‘If You Don’t Take Your Chances, You Always End Up Losing’ - Tottenham Midfielder Steven Pienaar Rues Europa League Defeat

Steven Pienaar has admitted Tottenham's 2-1 defeat to PAOK in the Europa League on Wednesday night was the entirely the fault of the players.

The north London side were two goals down within 15 minutes at White Hart Lane, and whilst Luka Modric scored from the penalty spot, Spurs were unable to overturn the early deficit.

Harry Redknapp's side now sit third in Group A and face an uphill task to qualify for the round of 32, with the South African conceding Spurs' poor start to the game may have cost them European football this season.

Pienaar told the club's official website: "The poor start was down to us. When you start a game you have to start sharp, we weren't sharp enough. We had a few opportunities but their defence was outstanding, even though we were camping in their half.

"If you start the game so poorly, you're always going to be chasing. I think we have to compliment PAOK, they were well organised, but we had some good chances. But if you don't take your chances, you always end up losing the game."

The 29-year-old sustained a groin injury in Tottenham’s pre-season build-up, which has limited Pienaar’s playing time, however he feels his fitness is improvng with every game he plays.

"It's getting better every day, I was a bit stiff at half-time but I'm happy to get minutes on the pitch."