Sean Payton has described the New Orleans Saints' elimination from playoff contention in the NFL as "frustrating".
The NFC South side, who reached the divisional round of the playoffs last season, were beaten 30-14 by the Atlanta Falcons this evening, ending their hopes of winning the division and clinching a spot in the post-season.
The head coach told reporters at his post-game press conference: "Losing is frustrating. Absolutely. It's disappointing. I'm disappointed for our players, our fans. It's tough.
"Obviously, it's disappointing at this stage of the season with what was at stake. That sting of finality. There's a standard, and that's something we haven't been up to this year.
"Our approach doesn't change next week. Our approach is to stay focused, finish the season the right way."
The Saints face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are also out of playoff contention, in the final game of the regular season next Sunday.
Sian Cowper
