Lloris admits Spurs manager was a big influence on his future
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris admits he trusted manager Mauricio Pochettino the second he met him, after contemplating his future at White Hart Lane.
The club have gone from one of the worst defences, to the best defence in the Premier League – having conceded 25 league goals this campaign – as they chase Leicester City in the Premier League title race.
But Lloris has admitted he was considering leaving the north London club, before Pochettino arrived at White Hart Lane – giving Spurs a new mentality and positivity.
And the France international signed a new five-year deal as soon as the Argentine boss outlined his plans.
“I had some concerns and questioned myself two years ago, after AVB and Sherwood had been in charge, but the first meeting with Mauricio Pochettino was very clear for me and my future,” Lloris admitted.
“I trusted him from the first second I met him. I really understand what he wants, and fully agree with his football views. We have the same football view.
“He has changed everything, both in training and in the squad. It is his mentality, his personality. We can feel we have improved a lot. We have a real identity now and that is very clear.”
Philosophy
It has been a magnificent season for the Lily Whites, which has seen Dele Alli take to the Premier League like a duck to water, and Harry Kane continue his prolific form.
And Lloris now believes they have the players and coach to challenge any team, saying: “Our fans are very proud of the way we play; we try to play good football but you also need to be aggressive in this league.
“If you have a good philosophy and add aggression and hunger, because we are young, it is very good. Now we feel we are ready to compete against any team.”
Lloris is the oldest member of the Tottenham team, at 29, in the youngest side in the Premier League – with Pochettino getting the rewards for his investment in youth.
But, after Leicester’s comfortable 4-0 win at home to Swansea City, Tottenham must beat West Brom on Monday night to close the gap on the league leaders to five points.
