Daniel Farke conceded "it wasn't meant to be" for Leeds United, following their Championship play-off final defeat by Southampton.
Farke's side missed out on an immediate return to the Premier League, as Adam Armstrong's first-half strike was enough to settle the contest at Wembley.
Leeds controlled large periods of the final and went agonisingly close to equalising later on when Daniel James rattled the crossbar, but they must now prepare for another season back in the Championship.
Nevertheless Farke, who missed out on becoming the third manager to win three promotions to the Premier League, was gracious in defeat.
"It's football. Congratulations to Southampton, they were able to be effective today," he told Sky Sports. "We had more possession, more shots and dominated the game in many spells, but they defended very well.
"It's always important to be good in both boxes. We started the game totally on the front foot and had many good situations but, in the final third, we weren't always precise with the final pass.
"We tried everything in the second half. Daniel [James] hit the crossbar. Sometimes, it's not meant to be. It's hard today because we are all suffering and are so disappointed. It's a difficult day for us.
"Sometimes, after such setbacks, you learn a lot and develop your personality. The lads have played a fantastic season, 90 points, we were great in the semi-finals [beating Norwich City 4-0 on aggregate].
"I was proud of the performance in many ways. In the final third, we could have been more effective but, apart from this, there is nothing to dwell on. We'll suffer for a few days, but use the break to recover and go again.
The German also paid tribute to Leeds' fans, who were in fine voice throughout the day, despite seeing their side fall in an EFL play-off final for a record-breaking fourth time.
"It's obviously a big disappointment for us because we were so close," he added.
"The support for this club is second to none - not just in the Championship, but even in this country. They carried us through difficult times, and were always there for us today. For them, we have to go again."
Napoli caught up in war of words with Kvaratskhelia's agent amid exit talk
Napoli insist Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is not on the market after his agent Mamuka Jugeli claimed he is looking to leave the club.
The Georgia international, who is preparing for his country's Euro 2024 opener against Turkiye on Tuesday, has been linked with a move to both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona in the current transfer window.
Kvaratskhelia scored 11 times in the league in 2023-24, as the Partenopei finished 10th in what was a disappointing defence of their third Serie A crown.
"We want to leave Napoli, but now we're all waiting for the Euro 2024," Jugeli told Sport Imedi last week. "With [Antonio] Conte, Napoli have big plans.
"I'm sure they will qualify for the Champions League again next season and fight for the Scudetto. But that doesn't mean Kvaratskhelia wants to stay there, I don't mean it.
"I didn't talk with Khvicha about this issue, the most important thing for him is the national team. Our goal is the team that plays in the Champions League.
"The worst thing is that if he stays here, Khvicha will lose one year because of that… we are worried."
However, Napoli have hit back with a statement of their own, citing the fact Kvaratskhelia has three years remaining on his contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
It read: "In reference to the statements of Kvaratskhelia's agent, Mamuka Jugeli, and his father Badri, Calcio Napoli reiterates that the player has a contract for another three years with the club.
"Kvaratskhelia is not on the market. It is not the agents or fathers who decide the future of a player under contract with Napoli but the club!!! End of the story."
Sergio Ramos to leave Sevilla after brief return to boyhood club
Sergio Ramos is leaving Sevilla following a one-year return to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, the club have confirmed.
Ramos came through Sevilla's youth system before joining Real Madrid for €27million as a 19-year-old in 2005, going on to win LaLiga on five occasions and the Champions League four times with Los Blancos.
Following an injury-hit stint with Paris Saint-Germain, Ramos returned to his boyhood club as a free agent last September, 18 years on from his initial departure.
Ramos played 28 times in LaLiga last term, scoring three goals and contributing to seven clean sheets as Sevilla pulled away from the relegation zone to end a turbulent season in 14th.
In a statement released on Monday, the club confirmed Ramos was to depart and said he would speak at a farewell news conference on Tuesday.
Sevilla added: "The club wishes to thank Sergio for the commitment, leadership and dedication that he has demonstrated this season, and wishes him the best for future."
The former Spain international is not thought likely to call time on his glittering career just yet, with MLS expansion team San Diego FC having been linked with a move.
Rangnick says Austria must believe in hopes of France upset
Ralf Rangnick says self-belief will be vital as his Austria side hunt a major scalp in their Euro 2024 opener against France on Monday.
France are viewed among the favourites to win the tournament, having won the 2018 World Cup and finished as runners-up at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup under Didier Deschamps.
However, Les Bleus have been tasked with a tough draw, with Austria tipped as potential dark horses and the Netherlands beating Poland 2-1 in Group D's first match on Sunday.
Austria finished just one point behind Belgium in their first qualification campaign under former Manchester United boss Rangnick, who has needed little time to implement his preferred high-pressing style.
Austria allowed their opponents fewer passes per defensive action (8.3 PPDA) than any other team during qualifying, also attacking with the fastest direct speed, moving the ball upfield at a speed of 2.03 metres per second.
Rangnick plans to take the game to France in Dusseldorf, telling his players there can be no inferiority complex if they are to earn a result.
"That is crucial, that we will be courageous, that we are convinced of our own strength," Rangnick said at his pre-match press conference.
"What's really vital is the way that we perform, not the way that France plays, or whether they are a little bit better or a little bit worse, it's only about us.
"We prepared for over two years for this day. It's finally starting for us. We're really excited. There's joy above everything else."
One of Austria's most pressing tasks will be to shut out Kylian Mbappe, who has scored 12 goals in his last three international tournaments (four at the 2018 World Cup, none at Euro 2020, eight at the 2022 World Cup).
Harry Kane is the only European player to match that figure, and the England man was also the only player from Europe's top five leagues to equal Mbappe's 44 goals in 2023-24.
However, Rangnick says Austria cannot afford to focus entirely on any one player, such is the strength of the France squad.
"With our style of playing we have to counter him and the whole French team, we have to make sure that he doesn't receive as many balls as he likes," he said.
"We know from our own strengths that we can win this match."
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