Espanyol Coach Mauricio Pochettino: We Deserved A Draw

Periquitos outdone by solitary Giusseppe Rossi strike.
Espanyol Coach Mauricio Pochettino believes his side deserved a draw in their 1-0 home defeat to Villarreal.

A first-half Guisseppe Rossi strike was the difference in an evenly poised contest that saw both sides hit the woodwork.

Pochettino is proud of his players and is under no illusions that they deserved at least a point but lacked a killer instinct in front of goal.

"We're really sad because the team played well but we have had no success in front of goal.” said the Periquitos tactician.

He went onto praise his opponents for their victory and style of play.

"Villarreal had more patience in the game and scored a goal. We faced a great rival who played by merit."

Espanyol remain in fifth place, three points behind Valencia who occupy the final Champions League spot.