Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino urged his side to forge ahead after they were dumped out of the Europa League by Belgian outfit Gent at Wembley Stadium.

READ: Gent sends Spurs packing 

Spurs drew 2-2 on the night but lost 3-2 on aggregate. The hosts scored through Christian Eriksen and Victor Wanyama but that was not enough as a Harry Kane own goal and a Jeremy Perbet strike sealed Gent’s place in the last 16.

Pochettino believes that his team can learn and grow from their disappointing Europa League elimination.

‘It is time for the club and players to improve. It is important for the club to always play European competition, but, for us, it is good to assess the squad and try to improve every season,’ Pochettino said after the match.

The Argentine believes that the experience can help his side come back stronger next season.

‘We are disappointed, but it is good for us to analyse to try to change a few things to improve next season and be a better team,’ the former Southampton manager said.

The North London side’s chances of progression was not helped when midfielder Dele Alli received a red card just before the half time break. The England international made a horrendous tackle on Gent’s Brecht Dejaegere but the manager came to the defence of the youngster.

‘He has an unbelievable personality and character, and for that he is a great player. But he is how he is because he is very passionate to play football. Now it is time to support him because he is very disappointed and sad in the changing room,’ he said.

The manager believes that their next Premier League match will be the perfect platform for Spurs to show a positive response.

‘It is key to recover physically and mentally. On Sunday, we will pick a team that is fresh and they will be ready to fight.’ concluded Pochettino.

Tottenham host Stoke City at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30.