Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has heaped praise on Hugo Lloris ahead of the World Cup, insisting that the veteran goalkeeper has been treated unfairly when it comes to the criticism he receives.
Lloris has been a fantastic servant for Spurs, and is currently in his tenth year at the club. During that time, he has made 437 appearances for the North London side (Transfermarkt).
He has missed just one game for Spurs this season, the Carabao Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest, where he was rested. Lloris has 21 appearances this campaign, and has conceded 27 goals so far (Transfermarkt).
The Frenchman has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after a handful of mistakes, most notably in the defeat against Newcastle United, have cost his team goals and points.
It seems the plan now is to replace Lloris in the summer of 2023 (Evening Standard), with Spurs targeting a range of options to take over as the new number-one goalkeeper at the club.
As Lloris prepares to lead France into the 2022 World Cup and defend their crown as world champions, former Spurs boss Pochettino has backed Lloris in a piece for The Athletic, and claims he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
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He said: “We knew very well how he suffered in his career, working so hard. Sometimes it was so unfair, when they criticised him. To culminate with him winning the World Cup, it shows that all the people who trusted in him, we were right.”
Pochettino spoke of the “amazing time” he had working with Lloris during his years with Tottenham, and said the 35-year-old is “without doubt” one of the best goalkeepers of the last “five to seven years.”
Spurs Web Opinion
There can be no doubting Hugo Lloris’ commitment and service to Spurs, and indeed his record with France too. He’s a great leader and a brilliant shot-stopper and will be remembered as one of the great goalkeepers of his generation. Sadly, all good things come to an end, and Spurs have to think about Lloris’ successor sooner rather than later.
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