Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has lavished praise on Hugo Lloris claiming that the veteran goalkeeper has been unfairly criticised.
The French goalkeeper has been at the club since almost a decade and has been an excellent servant for Tottenham. During his time at Spurs, he has made 437 appearances in all competitions, keeping 148 cleansheets.
He has started every game for the North London club this season, with the exception of the Carabao Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest, in which he was rested.
He has come under some criticism this season for his performances, specially against Newcastle where he was responsible for both the goals conceded. Some harsh comments were made by pundits. Garth Crooks said that Spurs ‘will win nothing‘ as long as they have the Frenchman in goal while Jamie Carragher urged Conte to replace the keeper who is ‘not good enough‘ to take Spurs to the next level.
Reports have suggested that Spurs are looking to replace Lloris in the summer next year and are looking at multiple options as long-term replacements for him.
Mauricio Pochettino, however, has come to his former player’s defence, claiming that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and that his criticism is ‘unfair.’
He said (via The Athletic):
“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 also spoke of his “amazing time” working with Lloris, and said the 35-year-old is “without a doubt” one of the best goalkeepers in the last “five to seven years.”
Hugo Lloris’ dedication and service to Tottenham, as well as his record with France is undeniable. He’s a great leader as well as a fantastic shot-stopper, and he’ll be remembered as a Spurs legend. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and Tottenham must consider Lloris’ long-term replacement sooner rather than later.
