Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has backed under-fire goalkeeper Hugo Lloris after his costly error against Barcelona in the Champions League.
The French World Cup winner returned to the side for the first time since August on Wednesday but made a careless decision in the build-up to Barcelona’s opening goal in the 4-2 victory for the Spanish side at Wembley.
However, Pochettino defended Lloris during his press conference on Friday, insisting he remains one of the best in the business.
“He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” he said. “That has not changed. Nothing has changed in my mind, how I think about him.”
Lloris has been limited to just three appearances for Spurs so far this season, having started 36 of his side’s 38 Premier League games in 2017-18.
He played a further seven times in the Champions League last campaign, including in memorable wins over Borussia Dortmund and eventual winners Real Madrid.
Wednesday marked the first time Lloris has appeared for Spurs since pleading guilty last month to drink-driving.
Although refusing to blame the 31-year-old, Pochettino admitted Spurs cannot afford those types of errors if they hope to compete against Europe’s elite.
“Of course to win this type of match you need to be lucky and not make a mistake,” he said.
“Of course how we started the game was so difficult and tough, the worst way you can think or prepare, but that is football.
“The most important thing is how we reacted and how the team fought and never gave up.”
Follow all bets and predictions for Football only here.
bet365 Livescore streams live football matches from all over the world. They also offer live matches from the following leagues and championships: FIFA, UEFA, Champions League. Italy Serie A, Premier League, La Liga, Liga 1 France, Russian Premier League, USA Premier League, Bundesliga, Europa League, Championship. World Cup 2018, Turkish Super League, BG Football and more. Here you can find a program of upcoming sporting events. Which will be transmitted directly. As well as football predictions, betting tips, odds, ranking, results and statistics. Current news about transfers, injuries, teams and tournaments.
Our forecasts for upcoming meetings have been carefully examined and provided in good faith, but with no guaranteed earnings. We advise you to gamble responsibly and only with the money you can afford to lose.