Ange Postecoglou conceded his Tottenham side were outplayed as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City.
Nathan Ake’s winner two minutes from time secured a 1-0 win for Pep Guardiola’s visitors, who had created the better chances throughout the game.
And Postecoglou admitted his team deserved to lose.
He told ITV: “It was a tough game against a top side.
“We worked hard to stay in the game and conceded so late. But they were the better side.
“They make you suffer at points so we had to work hard and for the most part we defended well.
“It was just too tough a test for us.
“We continue on with the way we’ve been going, it doesn’t mean today changes anything for us.”
Ake’s goal was reviewed by VAR after Spurs claimed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario had been impeded by Ruben Dias in the build-up.
But their boss, 58, was in no mood to argue with the referee’s decision.
He said: “I’m sure they had a good look at it and the referee and VAR didn’t see anything wrong with it.
“The decision was made and we have to accept it.”
City boss Pep Guardiola agreed with Postecoglou’s verdict, claiming his side had the better of the game.
He said: “I think so [City were the better team].
“We come here after the draw was really difficult and we responded perfectly.
“They [Spurs] create a lot every game and the courage we showed with the ball and without the ball I’m really pleased with.”