"Our fans were unbelievable in Germany, it felt like we were in Glasgow, it was amazing. They create such a good atmosphere wherever they go and they supported us unbelievably.

“They’re disappointed about the outcome but that’s just fans being passionate and caring, I have no issue with that.

“But they also acknowledge we didn’t go to Leipzig to survive, we went there to try and create something special. I think for the most part if people see endeavour, then they’re encouraged by that.

'So from our perspective it's right we acknowledged them because as I said before, we have Champions League support, now we need a Champions League team.'

“I speak to the players constantly that in elite sport the only way to be truly successful is to be uncomfortable and push yourself and make mistakes.

“You need to test yourself at every moment and that’s where improvement comes from.

"If we want to get to the next level we won’t get there by trying to feel secure at any point, whether that’s domestic level or Champions League level.

“We’ve got to be up for the fight and test ourselves and be positive and take the punches when they come along, dust ourselves, get back up and get back stronger because that’s how you create something special.

“If you would have said we were playing Champions League football 12 months ago and trying to perform against the best in the world then people would say we’ve made decent progress.

'For me, that’s always the key about making progress as a football team and we are and we’re a better side than we were last year and we’re still improving.'

One disappointing blow from Wednesday night was the injury to the captain Callum McGregor and the manager gave an update on his fitness.

He added: “He’s going to see a specialist this morning (Friday), so we will get more information. It’s obviously not just a short-term one but the extent of it we will have to wait and see when we get some accurate information.

“He missed a few games last season with his cheekbone and one thing about Callum is that the timeline they give him, he will try and come back earlier.

“I’m disappointed for Callum because he wants to be involved all the time and his performances have been super, but we just have to deal with what’s ahead of us.”

Ange Postecoglou: The only way to be successful is by continuing to be uncomfortable