Moura was Tottenham’s hero in the semi-final second leg victory over Ajax Amsterdam as his hat-trick propelled the London side to their first ever Champions League final in the absence over leading frontman Harry Kane.
Tottenham had lost the first leg at home 1-0 to Ajax and needed Moura’s magic, which included a last minute strike, to defeat the Dutch champions 3-2 on the night before progressing with the away-goal rule.
Moura’s semi-final brilliance was however not enough to merit him a place from the start in the final as Pochettino opted for the returning Harry Kane, much to the disappointment of the Brazilian.
Moura was introduced after 66 minutes in the final but could not prevent Tottenham from losing 2-0 to Liverpool.
Moura has now opened up on the disappointment of not starting the final but says he respects his manager’s decision to start him from the bench.
“Of course it was difficult because every player wants to play,” Lucas said of the Champions League final. “But it was even more to lose the game.
“I really think we could do better, could win this trophy. We had quality for this.
“I need to respect the decision of the coach and respect my team-mates, so no problem with this.
“I look forward now to next season to do a great season as well. Win a trophy, that is my objective.
“For sure he (Pochettino) has a good reason for this (decision) and I am sure that it was difficult for him as well to choose a player. He needs to choose only 11.
“I respect, I am a professional. No problem for this. Now I look forward to the next season.”
