Strootman: This defeat will hurt for a while

The Giallorossi suffered two red cards in a disappointing loss to the Portuguese side at the Stadio Olimpico, and afterwards Strootman struggled to explain how things had unravelled so quickly.

"We didn't start the game well, I don't know why," Strootman said. "We had prepared for the match well and we knew what to do out there but we didn't do the right things. Nor did they create chances but they scored early from a free-kick out wide.

"We didn't play well and we got two red cards. We gave everything even when we were down to nine men. Then we conceded a second and it was game over."

What's been said in the dressing room?

"We're all angry and disappointed and it will be difficult today, tomorrow and the next day. However, we have to think about the league. We must do a lot better than today, we have to all work together. We can't claim that someone has made a mistake. We got it wrong together and we lose as a unit. We have to work hard to get back to our usual standards."

Porto played like more of a team than you did. Why was that?

"I don't know, it's hard to say because we prepared well and we were clear on everything we had to do out there. We started badly. Even after the Porto goal I don't know what happened. They played better than us and things like that can't happen at the Olimpico. If I knew why, I'd tell you but it's hard to say."

The team didn't look physically or mentally prepared...

"We've played one match with ten men and another with nine. We trained well and we're fit. Even with nine we pressed and did everything we could. I believe it's more of a mental thing. Plus, when you're down to nine men it's difficult both mentally and physically."