We have four Europa League group games left. Should we qualify for the next round, then next games will be played mid-February. We will have League Cup tie against Norwich on October 31 and I'm not sure when the next round will be played. The FA Cup third round games will be played on January 5. So, it seems that if present set-up continues (Friedel in League and Lloris in cup games), Lloris will have at least five more appearances this year (should Villas-Boas not give Cudicini or Gomes a run-out). All in all, I don't think Lloris will be happy with five games in more than two months.
I see your point, just do not think we should drop a player because of one slightly lower than par performance, when he has been so good for us. I am up for Lloris getting more games, but do not think he should have his place given to him on a plate. Just be open with them both: Friedel 'keep playing like that I will have to drop you'
Lloris 'keep showing what you can do in training, you will get your chance but have to be ready to take it' pressure on both to perform, may the best man win!
I'm not saying Friedel should be dropped. I'm happy we bought Lloris because he's still young and has world at his feet, but to be honest it was a somewhat weird time to bring him in. Friedel has been undisputed number one for some time, he's never injured. We also have Gomes (still a very good keeper, I'm sure) and Cudicini (a decent back-up). So, for some reason they brought in Lloris who is a world class keeper and the captain of France national team. Player of his calibre should not and cannot sit on the bench. Maybe it's ok for Man City and Chelsea to keep a bench and reserve team full of world class players, but I assumed Spurs were more clever. I feel that at that time it was a weird decision as we actually didn't need another keeper. Now, let's see how our management deals with the situation.
Personally I think that we did the right thing in buying arguably one of the best young keepers in Europe for a very decent price.
We have to be looking to the future, and I am very surprised that we managed to get him when we failed with 2 other signings in August.
Now he's here then AVB needs to bite the bullett and install him as no1. Brad has been, and still is a great keeper, but he is 41 and we need to gradually implement our policy of giving the younger players a chance. As has been stated we need to build understanding with our back 4. Despite our setback on Saturday, 4th place will be wide open again this year, and with a couple of decent signings in January, coupled with a return from injuries to Kaboul, Naughton and Parker, we will be up there I am sure. We do not want Lloris to be off next year, now do we ?