Tottenham’s new keeper finally made his first Prem start against Aston Villa on Sunday.
By PAUL JIGGINS
The £12million deadline-day signing from Lyon looked assured as he helped his side to a comfortable 2-0 victory — their fourth league win on the trot.
But despite keeping a clean sheet on his top-flight debut, he is likely to find himself back on the bench when leaders Chelsea visit White Hart Lane on Saturday week.
AVB admitted Brad Friedel — who made way for France No 1 Lloris after 310 consecutive Prem appearances — remains his first choice.
Les Bleus skipper Lloris, 25, said: “Over the past month, I’ve played only three games. It takes a little more concentration, especially working at training.
“I try to compensate, but the truth is the game of the weekend is what matters. I was used to playing in games every three days with Lyon.
“And to progress, to be effective, it’s better to play every week with the team.”
Lloris’ situation at Spurs has caused a right old kerfuffle across the Channel.
French boss Didier Deschamps has slammed Villas-Boas for not making Lloris his first-choice immediately.
AVB, to his credit, realises there is no way he can just bin Friedel after the 41-year-old American’s fine form this season.
And, to be fair, Lloris is not spitting out his dummy while waiting for his chance.
He added: “I am not worried by the situation.
“From the moment I signed for Tottenham I have invested 200 per cent. I show it every day in training with a lot of enthusiasm because all this is new to me and especially because it is the Premier League, the best league in Europe.
“It’s has not been complicated for me. I have always been ready to play.
“The coach has made his choice. I must just stay focused as I have done before with Nice, Lyon and the France team.
“I am getting my bearings and I hope to play more and more to be at my best.”
Despite his wait for a Prem start, Lloris has wasted no time becoming a crowd favourite at the Lane. He made a couple of crucial stops and catches — although he nearly blotted his copybook at the start of the second half when his poor throw almost led to a goal.
He admitted: “That was poor and it could have been dangerous for us.
“Fortunately they put the chance off target. But when you sign for a club at the last minute, it’s never easy. The negotiations were protracted.
“Normally, you get the chance to know your team-mates before the season starts, but I started straight away in competitive matches. I still need a few games to find the rhythm.”
Lloris is also already a popular figure in the Tottenham dressing room. Defender Steven Caulker, who scored against Villa, said: “Hugo’s learning English and it’s coming on really good.
“He made a fantastic save in a one-on-one and proved his worth.
“We communicate fine on the pitch. He understands the English he needs to know and he’s very vocal. Off the pitch, he’s very humble and a good character.
“He’s had to be patient and he’s handled that fantastically well. The gaffer gave him the nod against Villa and I thought he did well.”
