'Anxiety'

"It is about getting through it, especially in these moments of the season when there is fatigue, not only physical, but mental — anxiety — all these things made the team go back a bit," he told Sky Sports.

Nuno, whose side plays Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinals this weekend, said his team had a big week ahead of it.

"You don't get these moments often, especially in this league when we are fighting for something nobody expected," he added.

Forest, which finished 17th last season, is two-time European champion, but has not played in the continent's top club competition since the 1980-81 season.

Spurs' 18th defeat of a miserable Premier League season leaves them just two places above the relegation zone.

But, Postecoglou still has a chance to win silverware in his second season at the club.

Spurs face Bodo/Glimt in the semifinals of the Europa League next month, with the winner of the competition guaranteed a place in next season's Champions League.

A disappointed Postecoglou said his side had dominated Monday's game, but had "conceded poor goals and given itself a mountain to climb".

The Australian, whose team travels to face Liverpool on Sunday, admitted the Europa League was now his priority, as he tries to achieve momentum and protect his players.

AFP