Friedel enjoying 'healthy' rivalry with Lloris at Tottenham

Sep 18, 2012 1:05:00 PM

The American is relishing the competition for the club's No. 1 jersey, citing numerous cup games as an opportunity for all four shot-stoppers at the club to display their skills

Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel has insisted there is no problem between him and Hugo Lloris, describing the competition as "healthy".

Lloris was a deadline day acquisitionn from Lyon in a deal that could rise to £12 million but Friedel has kept his place in the Spurs starting line-up with a string of impressive displays.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas publicly stated his intention to stick with the American as his first-choice goalkeeper, a claim that didn’t resonate too well with French national team manager, Didier Deschamps.

But Friedel has no issue with the raft of competition for one spot at the club, with Heurelho Gomes and Carlo Cudicini also waiting in line.

"Hugo has come in and is a really nice person," Friedel told talkSPORT.

"He's a super goalkeeper but we have two other really good goalkeepers in Heurelho Gomes and Carlo Cudicini.

"We have friendly, and healthy, competition for places and hopefully we will have long runs in all the cup competitions and there's going to be plenty of matches to share around."

Lloris on the other hand, who is expected to start Thursday’s Europa League clash with Lazio, wants to be given consistent playing time at some point in the season but has been reassured as to his position in the squad.

He told L’Equipe: "I am in an adaptation period, I've had very few training sessions, and there are players that I didn't know. But I am expecting time on the pitch.

"Things were very clear from the start on Sunday. I was at the disposal of [Tottenham goalkeeping coach] Tony Parks and Brad Friedel.

"That pitch, that atmosphere, that gives you desire to play. Moreover we got three points that made us start our season.

"For me, it is a period to manage. Obviously I have desire. I came here to play.

"I am at the club, I know where I have to go to. I had a talk with the coach, as he said, and I know everyone at Tottenham wanted me to come."

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