We weren't ruthless enough admits McClaren

Last updated : 26 March 2007 By SpursMAD

Steve McClaren said: "It was two points dropped there because we should have won that. At this level you have got to score goals and it has been a disappointing return (in recent games).

"We did not start the game well. Once we got into our rhythm we created chances. We got balls in the box and it either didn't fall for us or poor finishing has cost us.

"It is important that we came to win the game and we attacked and created chances but to dominate a game like that and create the chances we did and not score is frustrating.

"If we were not creating the chances I would be more worried. They packed the midfield and made it hard, but we have got to have more quality than that.

"All we did not do was stick the ball in the back of the net. We dominated both boxes but failed to deliver in one. We need our players to be more ruthless and they just weren't ruthless enough.

"We need to make sure we collect three points on Wednesday and then re-assess the group. We have got to keep going because we have got players who can score goals. We have got plenty of games left. We have to win against Andorra and we have to win against Estonia. We still have to play Russia twice and Croatia at home. It always boils down to these big games."

"My desire is greater than ever. Everybody is together and knows what we must do and we know in what direction we are going. The players are as disappointed as everybody else and they understand the fans reaction."

Steven Gerrard said: "The manager asked for a clean sheet tonight and three points. We delivered the clean sheet but we haven't been clinical enough in front of goal to complete the job so we definitely have to improve in the final third, because if you don't take your half chances at this level you don't deserve to win.

"But that's not just down to the strikers it's down to the six or seven players in the final third. We need to be better in the final third from now on."

Frank Lampard said: "It's quite straightforward - if you don't take chances you don't win games. We have the players to get it right. We have got strikers, we have goals from all over the team. All you can do is keep your head down and hope they come."

"I had a few half chances, none of them were clear cut, but I'm disappointed they didn't go in, especially the header. I got a decent connection but it just fell the wrong side of the post. If that had gone in it would have won the game, simple as that. In fact we would probably have won it by more than one goal.

"We didn't take our chances. It was only a matter of making a breakthrough and that's the disappointment of the night. If we'd scored we would have won it. There was no threat from them, particularly in the second half there was no threat at all. But you need to start fast and silence the fans. It took us a while to do that but we did eventually."

Source: TheFA.com