Friedel denies any goalkeeping rift with Lloris
Brad Friedel has moved to quash claims of a rift between himself and his fellow Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris by insisting any rivalry with the former Lyon No1 is a "friendly and healthy" one.
Lloris, the France captain, joined Tottenham on the final day of the transfer window for £12m and was expected to take over from Friedel at White Hart Lane immediately. But the 41-year-old American has kept his place after putting in a string of assured displays – the most recent of which came in Sunday's 3-1 win at Reading – and has enjoyed the backing of the new manager, André Villas-Boas, who has stated that he will not be changing goalkeepers any time soon.
"Hugo has come in and is a really nice person," Friedel stated. "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. Hopefully we will have long runs in all the cup competitions and there's going to be plenty of matches to share around."
Lloris is reportedly unhappy at being second choice to Friedel – he was an unused substitute against Reading in what was his first match as a Spurs player – but, speaking to a French newspaper, he said that he is expecting to make his debut for the club soon. "I am in an adaptation period, I've had very few training sessions and there are players that I didn't know," said the 25-year-old. "But I am expecting time on the pitch."
Brad Friedel wears Adidas Predator Fingertip Goalkeeper Gloves, Click here to see them
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