Hugo Lloris critics have 'short memories', says Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino

Action Images via Reuters
Dan Kilpatrick @Dan_KP26 October 2018

Critics of Tottenham's Hugo Lloris have short memories according to Mauricio Pochettino, who threw his support behind the goalkeeper following his mistakes against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

With Spurs leading 2-1, Lloris rushed out of his area and clattered PSV's Hirving Lozano, deservedly earning a straight red card. Without their captain, the 10-man visitors slipped to a 2-2 draw, which leaves their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockouts hanging by a thread.

"Hugo is one of the best keepers in the world and he was man of the match [against West Ham] a few days before we played PSV," said the Spurs manager, who did not think the France captain deserved to be sent off.

"I think Hugo is an important player for us – he’s our captain and there’s no doubt about him.

"It's not in my opinion, it’s the reality. I’m so objective – he’s one of the best [in the world], for sure. He was very important in games like Newcastle, Fulham, Manchester United, West Ham.

"I think in all the games we won he was very important and was one of the best players on the pitch. Then he didn’t play against Watford, Liverpool and Inter, and we lost games. In football we have short memories – I remember after Watford it was like [people said] ‘oh, we miss Hugo’.

EPA/Thomas Bakker

"We have short memories and against West Ham I think the victory, in a big percentage, was because of Hugo because he was unbelievable. When you’re a keeper it’s because you love to be at risk because it’s a very unfair position.

"If you’re good, ok it’s normal because you must save. But if you don’t save the frustration is massive," Pochettino added. "You must be strong in your mentality to arrive to play at that level. All the keepers are so strong.

"I admire the 'keepers because it’s such an unfair position and it’s difficult for them to enjoy playing football and to put them in front of people that try to kill you, shooting at 100 miles per hour and receive the ball. You need to be brave and love the risk.

Getty Images

"It’s difficult to complain about the keeper. When I was a player and you put sometimes someone I goal, you realised how difficult it is to be a keeper.

"For me all the keepers are strong and Hugo is so strong. That’s why he’s playing at this level and he was a world champion a few months ago. You need to be so strong to play in that position."

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