Reina Liverpool alert for Lloris, Spurs clash

Liverpool may be heartened by news coming out of White Hart Lane that France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is pondering his options barely 10 days after his £12 million move to Tottenham.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas appears to have dropped a major clanger by insisting that Brad Friedel will remain his No.1 keeper even after Lloris’ arrival, according to The Mirror.

It has raised doubts about ex-Chelsea boss Villas-Boas’ man-management skills as Lloris confessed it is “never nice” to hear such comments.

The France No.1, 25, is clearly concerned about his future and his national boss Didier Deschamps has admitted the ex-Lyon stopper is already unhappy with Villas-Boas.

Lloris admitted: “Obviously it’s never nice, but we’ll see when we return to work on Wednesday.

“When I join up with the national team I concentrate uniquely on that and we’ll see about my personal situation as soon as I go back.”

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was left scratching his head after veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina allowed Arsenal to sneak two goals past him which marred a dominant display by the Reds at Anfield.

He will be put on alert by Lloris' concerns as he seeks a back-up for Reina.

Friedel has also added to Lloris’ concerns as the 41-year old American insists he still sees himself as the Spurs No.1.

Friedel said: “Right now I believe the shirt is mine to lose, I believe the manager came out and said that. If that’s the case, then great.

“It’s great to have competition. Hugo is France’s No.1, he’s gonna want to play, I’m gonna want to play, and so are Carlo Cudicini and Heurelho Gomes.

“We are all contracted to Tottenham and if they ask me to be a No.1 – or a No.2 – I’d do that to the best of my ability. Hugo is going to be a team-mate, not an enemy. It is a difficult position to have four goalkeepers of our quality at the club."
 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has added spice to the Lloris and Friedel rivalry by backing the American stopper.

Working as a pundit on French TV, he said: “Brad Friedel saved Villas-Boas (in the league game against Norwich) and he owes him a form of recognition for saving the match – but it doesn’t mean he won’t play Hugo Lloris.

“When they see Lloris in training, they will understand quite quickly that they’ve got a hell of a player.

“Let’s not be dramatic, he has a guy ahead of him who’s 41 and you have to plan his replacement, and this might happen in the next 15 days or three weeks.”

 

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