Steve Borthwick admitted “disappointment” was the overriding emotion in the away changing room at Ashton Gate on Saturday night.
Speaking following the side’s draw with Bristol Bears, Borthwick said: “There are usually pretty different emotions in a changing room after a draw - somewhere between disappointment and relief.”
“For us, after that game, it’s a disappointed room.”
Discussing the performance, Borthwick admitted there were positives to take back to Leicester but discipline in the final quarter was an area the side would address next week when analysing the performance.
“For a large part, we were in control of that game and there are plenty of good things to take away as a group,” said Borthwick.
“But, as one example, we need to look at how can manage the last part of the game better.
“However, as I say, there are positives in that performance for this group and one of those is that we are starting to come together.
“I think it’s our ninth game and is the first time we’ve had most of the squad available to select.”
“I’m pleased that we are coming together as a group and can continue to work on improving the cohesion and continuity on the pitch.”
Asked about the closeness of the match, which his side led for the majority of the 80 minutes up until the final few in Bristol, he added: “If you look across the league, there are many games being decided by very few points.”
“This is the most competitive league in rugby and to be winning games, we cannot be putting ourselves in positions like that today where it can cost us.”
Tigers welcomed back England trio Freddie Steward, Ben Youngs and Jack van Poortvliet for the trip to Ashton Gate after welcoming back a handful of Internationals in recent weeks.
Looking ahead to upcoming matches, including both European and league fixtures, the Leicester Head Coach said that players will be rested in line with welfare rules of which the club will be managing on a case-by-case basis.
“There are mandatory periods for guys now where they have to have a week off, which we will manage dependent on the individual,” Borthwick said.
“We will speak to the player, see how they’re feeling and look closely at what we think is best for them and the team.
“It’s nothing new, not a surprise to us and a challenge every team with internationals face - we just happen to have had more than most in the Autumn.”
Leicester Tigers turn attention to the opening round of the 2022/23 Heineken Champions Cup, away to Ospreys, on Sunday, December 11 before welcoming ASM Clermont Auvergne to Mattioli Woods Welford Road in Round 2 on Saturday, December 17.
