Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris admits he will sit down with manager Andre Villas-Boas for clear-the-air talks when he returns from international duty, as the saga surrounding his place in the team rumbles on.

The France No1 signed for Spurs on transfer deadline day for £8million but is yet to start a game for his new club, and the 25-year-old reacted disapprovingly when Villas-Boas publicly insisted rival ‘keeper Brad Friedel would remain as his first-choice.

France coach Didier Deschamps revealed the former Lyon stopper was not pleased with the Portuguese’s comments.

He said: “Hugo has not appreciated the statements of his coach.”

And when Lloris, who impressed for France in their 1-0 win over Finland on Friday, was asked about his situation at Spurs, he replied: “Obviously it’s never nice but we’ll see when we return on Wednesday.

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

Friedel appears in no mood to give up the No1 jersey after he revealed he would be doing all he can to remain Villas-Boas’ first-choice.

“I believe the shirt is mine to lose,” he said. “I believe the manager came out and said that.

“I will turn up every day and work as hard as I can. I will keep as fit as I possibly can, hopefully get selected to play and hopefully do as well as I can.”

However, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes there is no reason for Lloris to panic and it will be just a matter of time before his compatriot Lloris wrestles the position off the American.

“When they see Hugo in training, they’ll understand quite quickly they’ve got a hell of a player,” Wenger said while commentating on France’s game.

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

 

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