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23:32 GMT, Thursday, 4 December 2008

Adams defends James over mistake

David James

Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has refused to blame goalkeeper David James for the error which led to the club's defeat against Wolfsburg.

The 38-year-old's mistake set up Wolfsburg's winner but Adams preferred to focus on his side's overall display.

"We made too many mistakes to win the game," said Adams, who saw his side exit the Uefa Cup following the loss.

"James has saved a penalty, set up the first goal - he's a great keeper and I have every faith in him."

The three goals conceded take the tally conceded by Pompey under Adams to 12 in seven games.

And the former Arsenal centre-back believes defensive lapses cost his side in their attempts to remain in the Uefa Cup.

Not that the result mattered, as Portuguese side Braga won in Heerenveen to book their place in the knockout phase and send the Premier League outfit crashing out.

"The defending was better in the second half. First half we gave goals away by not defending crosses," said the 42-year-old.

"We tidied up in the second half. Obviously I was in constant contact with the Braga result and when they went 2-1 up I tried to change things."

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Adams, who took over as manager at Portsmouth following Harry Redknapp's switch to Tottenham, was complimentary of a Wolfsburg side who remain unbeaten on their home turf since April.

"Wolfsburg are a very good outfit, it was counter attacking at its best," he added.

"They sit there and wait for you and if you give the ball away then they pounce."



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Related to this story:

Uefa Cup as it happened (04 Dec 08 |  Europe )
Thursday's football photos (04 Dec 08 |  Football )
Wolfsburg 3-2 Portsmouth (04 Dec 08 |  Europe )

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