He said: “I thought it was harsh on us. For the first 60 minutes of the game we were excellent and there was not too much in the game.

“I felt that we were a real threat in the game and we started it really well.

'We progressed the ball well at times and with a little bit more care we might have got ourselves in front.'

“Remember, we were playing against a team that has been scoring lots of goals but defensively we were strong and with the ball, we had the confidence to play.

“We’re bitterly disappointed with the goal right on half-time, we can avoid that. We started the second-half with confidence and we got the two players sent off. For me, it’s inexperience at this level.

“We were in control of the situation and Gustaf has got to get his body there and let it run through to the keeper. The same with Odin, he’s a fantastic young player but he will learn at this level, no matter how committed you are you can’t go to ground.

“At the time I thought it was harsh but watching it back his studs were up and unfortunately, he had to go which put the team in a really difficult situation.

'We showed enough and I said before the tournament started I wanted us to be competitive and compete and I think we should tonight we are going to be able to do that.'

“Over the course of six games, if we can get to the last game against Feyenoord with something to play for then at home that will be a great night for us.”

With five games left to play in the group stages, there is still plenty of time and lots of football left to play to get the required points to achieve European football post-Christmas.

The manager feels the squad will learn lessons from the evening in Rotterdam and will come back stronger for the home tie against Lazio next month.

He added: “I saw confidence which was good. I think we can take can take care of the ball a bit more.

“We got into some really good areas and we were a little bit careless on our passing but we still had the confidence to take the ball and play and give them a problem so that aspect was good to see.

“Then the decision making, when we arrive in their half don’t be in a rush to make the first pass and again that comes from experience and not rushing the game.

“I saw enough tonight to show we will be competitive in the group.”

Manager: We showed confidence but we need to learn from Feyenoord defeat