• Premier League

AVB: Lloris not yet No. 1

ESPN staff
October 8, 2012
Hugo Lloris kept a clean sheet on his Premier League debut © PA Photos
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Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas has told Brad Friedel he still has a future at the club, despite dropping the goalkeeper in favour of Hugo Lloris on Sunday.

France international Lloris kept a clean sheet on his Premier League debut as Spurs overcame Villa 2-0 at White Hart Lane. His selection brought an end to Friedel's run of 310 consecutive league games across eight seasons.

But Friedel, 41, has not surrendered the No. 1 jersey in the long-term, according to Villas-Boas.

"After the Panathinaikos game [in the Europa League], we decided it would be logical if we wanted to get Hugo acquainted with the Premier League type of games." Villas-Boas said.

"He can't play only Europa League. The change was not based on performance. Brad has been immense for this team."

There were reports of a disagreement between Lloris and Villas-Boas shortly after the former's transfer from Lyon in August. The Portuguese manager was initially reluctant to replace Friedel as Spurs' man between the sticks.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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