Spurs star backs boss over Lloris (From Haringey Independent)

Tottenham left back Benoit Assou-Ekotto believes Andre Villas-Boas would be right to stick with Brad Friedel

10:00am Tuesday 11th September 2012 in Spurs By Tom Allnutt

Tottenham full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto has backed his under-fire boss Andre Villas-Boas, insisting goalkeeper Brad Friedel should keep his place despite the arrival of Hugo Lloris.

Lloris, 25, signed for Spurs for around £12million on the last day of the transfer window and the France number one is hailed as one of the most talented keepers in Europe.

But after Tottenham's 1-1 draw with Norwich, in which Friedel put in a match-of-the-match display, Villas Boas said Lloris would have to wait for his chance and Assou-Ekotto believes that is the right decision.

“It will not be easy for him because there is competition, as the coach said,” Assou-Ekotto told RMC.

“Whether he’s the goalkeeper of France or not, he will have to fight to win his place.

“To start with, I think that Lloris is going to be number two.

“If our goalkeeper doesn’t make mistakes, there will be no reason to change.”

The controversy emerged after France boss Didier Deschamps revealed Lloris was not happy with Villas-Boas' comments.

Lloris clarified his position this week saying: "Obviously it's never nice [not to be first choice], but we'll see when we return to work on Wednesday."