‘This is not the end’ – Vilahamn reacts to Spurs’ FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Robert Vilahamn issued a reminder that his side’s journey is only just beginning after their 4-0 Adobe Women’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

The Lilywhites were the losing side on their debut in a major domestic cup final. Their inexperience was visible at various points through the defeat.

When speaking in the post-match press conference, Spurs boss Vilahamn said that it is okay for his side to be upset or angry following the defeat and that the North Londoners’ journey has only just begun.

“The main thing that I said was that this is not the end, it’s the beginning,” Vilahamn said.

“We have learnt so much this year and we have reached a final. We could have won it but on the other hand, Manchester United deserve it and we have to look at how good their performance was. We’ve beaten Manchester City then Leicester in the main stadium [on our way to the final].

“It’s ok to be angry or sad because that’s part of football. You should feel that today because you want to win next time.”

Vilahamn went on to highlight Manchester United’s class further but he believes that his side should look back on their Adobe Women’s FA Cup exploits with their heads held high.

He said “It’s no fun losing a final by a big scoreline but on the other hand, I think Manchester United played a good game, they fielded a good team and they hurt us with their qualities. They had a really good day.

“That first goal is a little bit tough for us before the break, the first half was quite competitive. We tried to find ways in the second half but they scored two goals quite quickly and we were then all over the place. It’s really hard to play 3-0 down at Wembley.

“We need to look at the full FA Cup run. We are at Wembley to get experience and even if it is tough right now, I know that we will be very proud when we have finished the season and we reflect on what we have done.”

Manchester United’s victory was sealed by a goalkeeping error from Spurs’ Becky Spencer early in the second half. Lucía García took full advantage as she put her side 3-0 up. Vilahamn did not want to blame his goalkeeper for that moment and instead opted to back Spencer.

He said “It’s unlucky. It’s on me actually because that’s how I want her to play. Goalkeepers are going to make mistakes when we play our style but unfortunately, she’s done it in the final. On the other hand, she showed us her bravery.

“I’m going to make sure that I help and support her on Tuesday [in training] but she’s a very mature women, a very cool girl. I’m going to make sure that I tell her that as well because I think she’s a great goalkeeper; she’s brave on the ball and she should continue to dictate the build-up for us because she’s great at that.”

Tottenham Hotspur end the campaign with a home fixture against West Ham United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday afternoon.