John Eustace explained that injuries prompted Blackburn Rovers' change of formation whilst admitting Blackpool 'wanted it more'.

Two goals in six minutes for the Seasiders swung the game and knocked Rovers out of the Carabao Cup. They had led 1-0 thanks to Makhtar Gueye's penalty, only for Jake Beesley and Hayden Coulson to turn the match.

Eustace was disappointed with the performance of his side, who he felt didn't get out of first gear. He admitted some players didn't grasp the opportunity in front of them to put a doubt in his mind over team selection.

"I was a disappointing performance, I don't think we really got out of first gear, to be honest," Eustace said.

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"They didn't really hurt us, we controlled the game. We scored a good goal, a penalty but the build-up was good play.

"We just didn't grasp the game by the standards we have up to now. We were still in control in the second half but we had to make five changes due to a couple of injuries which weren't in the script.

"That certainly disrupted us. Fair play to Blackpool, they were excellent tonight and they just wanted it more than us.

"We made seven changes and needed to get minutes into some of the player's legs. Goals change games, they scored against the run of play and the second goal was a really poor mistake on our part.

"The players needed fitness but it's important when they're playing that they show that they want to play in the first team and take their chance.

"Tonight, I think a few of the boys drifted through the game which was disappointing."

Rovers made five substitutions on 65 minutes, changing shape to a 3-4-2-1 which left the team unbalanced with no natural left-wing-back. 

However, Eustace explained that the changes were partially enforced, due to two injuries in the group.

"It was probably a game too much tonight for Harry (Pickering), he had to come off with a small spasm in his back which was disappointing.

"It would've been great to rest him tonight like we could the other six or seven players but we couldn't. 

"We didn't have another full-back so we had to to wing-backs. Danny Batth also came off with a slight tight muscle. For the personnel we had left on the bench, I thought it was the right shape to go to.

"They scored two goals which was disappointing but the manner of them was nothing to do with the shape. It was individual defending.

"That's football. Goals change games and that's what happens. They took their opportunities, we didn't defend properly and you get punished."