West Ham United's exit from the UEFA Europa League at Astra Girugiu on Thursday hurt in more ways than one for Diego Poyet.
The Hammers midfielder was frustrated at losing a lead for the second time in the tie, and even more so at missing out on future opportunities to impress in this competition.
After drawing the first leg 2-2 at the Boleyn Ground, the Hammers had their work cut out in Romania, but after going 1-0 up early on through Manuel Lanzini, Poyet felt at that point his team could go on to win.
"It's a massive disappointment," he admitted. "Obviously we're out and it's difficult. We were 1-0 up and I thought we were comfortable, but then they scored that long range shot and it all changed.
"In the second half we just couldn't get that equaliser and it's a shame to go out in this manner after we went 2-0 up in the first leg.
"We knew we had to score, but we said [before the game] let's not rush anything. We were lucky enough that we scored early on, but as I said their goal changed everything.
The Hammers midfielder was frustrated at losing a lead for the second time in the tie, and even more so at missing out on future opportunities to impress in this competition.
After drawing the first leg 2-2 at the Boleyn Ground, the Hammers had their work cut out in Romania, but after going 1-0 up early on through Manuel Lanzini, Poyet felt at that point his team could go on to win.
"It's a massive disappointment," he admitted. "Obviously we're out and it's difficult. We were 1-0 up and I thought we were comfortable, but then they scored that long range shot and it all changed.
"In the second half we just couldn't get that equaliser and it's a shame to go out in this manner after we went 2-0 up in the first leg.
"We knew we had to score, but we said [before the game] let's not rush anything. We were lucky enough that we scored early on, but as I said their goal changed everything.
"Goals change games and we started off really well and gave it a go but at the end of the day we feel that it's not good enough to be knocked out this early.
"We came here to get a result and get through, so apologies to the travelling fans and those who won't be able to travel around Europe for a few more games. Trust me we're as disappointed as them.
"What you want as players is to play games, so for the likes of myself it's another disappointment because this competition could have been an opportunity to play and show what I'm capable of.
"It's up to the manager now that we're out, and all I can do is play well [when he calls on me] and do my best in training to get that chance."
"We came here to get a result and get through, so apologies to the travelling fans and those who won't be able to travel around Europe for a few more games. Trust me we're as disappointed as them.
"What you want as players is to play games, so for the likes of myself it's another disappointment because this competition could have been an opportunity to play and show what I'm capable of.
"It's up to the manager now that we're out, and all I can do is play well [when he calls on me] and do my best in training to get that chance."