Europa League travel is NOT an excuse for Spurs' League Cup loss to Chelsea - Pochettino

19:19, Sun, Mar 1, 2015 | UPDATED: 21:27, Sun, Mar 1, 2015

Mauricio Pochettino at Wembley GETTY

Mauricio Pochettino's (left) Spurs lost 2-0 to Chelsea at Wembley

Spurs played Fiorentina in the Europa League on Thursday before flying back to immediately prepare for this afternoon's Wembley showdown.

Pochettino made six changes to his starting XI but it made no difference as John Terry's strike and a Kyle Walker own goal earned Chelsea a 2-0 win.

But the boss insisted the quick turnaround was not the reason Spurs lost.

"Congratulations to Chelsea, but I am proud of my players because I think they played very well, but that is football," he told Sky Sports.

"I am disappointed for our supporters and players because put in a big, big effort, but we need to look forward.

"The first goal was hard because it as after 44 minutes, but the team kept going forward and we are proud.

"We played on Thursday so it was difficult. It's not an excuse, but this is the reality.

"We need to improve, it was the first final for a lot of players and this is the first step for this group.

"We showed character and personality and this is important. We need to look forward."