According to reports out of Italy, the impending arrival of Hugo Lloris at Lazio has got the club’s manager, Maurizio Sarri feeling concerned about the effect it will have on his current number-one goalkeeper.
After his poor performances last season, it became clear that Hugo Lloris‘ time as Tottenham Hotspur’s first-choice goalkeeper was coming to an end. After 11 years with the club, it is now very likely we will never see the Frenchman in a Spurs kit again.
Indeed, the signing of Guglielmo Vicario early in the transfer window appeared to condemn Lloris to an exit from North London and the 36-year-old himself has made it very clear that he would like to move on (Football.London).
No move has materialised yet, but it seems a switch to Lazio is getting closer for the former Spurs captain (Gianluca Di Marzio). The Serie A side want to bring Lloris in as a backup to their number one keeper, Ivan Provedel.
Maurizio Sarri worries about Hugo Lloris’ arrival
However, it is now suggested by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) that the signing of Lloris does not exactly have the blessing of Lazio’s head coach, Maurizio Sarri.
Sarri apparently “worries” that Lloris’ presence could “increase” the pressure on Provedel. While most clubs prefer to have some healthy competition between players, it is thought Sarri doesn’t like the idea of affecting Provedel’s confidence this year.
On the other hand, Lazio president Claudio Lotito is keen to bring Lloris in to add experience to a squad which is preparing to compete in the Champions League once more.
Lotito believes Provedel can “manage all the pressure” despite Lloris’ presence, and even reckons the Frenchman could help to alleviate some of the pressure felt by the number one stopper.
Despite “Sarri’s perplexities and fears” regarding the impact this move could have on the dressing room, it now seems Lotito has “decided to take” Lloris to Italy this summer regardless.
Spurs Web Opinion
A move to Lazio, even as second-choice goalkeeper, would be a good switch for Lloris. He will probably get some game time in the Champions League or at the very least in Serie A to give Provedel a break. Having competition for places is never usually a bad thing, so Sarri’s fears seem a little bit overly cautious.