Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino is proud of his players despite losing the Capital One Cup final 2-0 to Chelsea, but insists his young side must use the experience to improve.
Spurs started brightly in Sunday's Wembley final but failed to defend a free kick late in the first half, with John Terry pouncing to send Chelsea into half-time a goal ahead.
Diego Costa then saw his shot fly in off Kyle Walker 11 minutes after the interval, and Pochettino's side struggled to find a way back into the game against Jose Mourinho's impressive defence.
Pochettino took charge of Spurs last summer, and believes the final is an important stepping stone in the development of his younger players.
While congratulating Chelsea on their win, he said: "We played how we always need to play in a final. I feel proud of my players because I think they played very well, but in the same way disappointed for our supporters and for our players because we made a big, big effort.
"It's hard but we have to look forward."
Unlike Chelsea, Spurs were involved in European competition in midweek, losing the second leg of their Europa League tie with Fiorentina in Italy, and Pochettino felt that was a factor.
Asked about tiredness possibly having an effect on his team in the final, the Spurs boss said: "It's always difficult because in preparing for this final we played on Thursday in Florence. That is not an excuse, but it is the reality.
"But we have to improve. This was the first final for a lot of the players and we are proud.
"This is the first step for this group, because this group is strong, and we showed character and personality."