The FC panel see Spurs' draw with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu as a statement that they can compete in the Champions League. Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane talk the finer points of Tottenham's 1-1 draw against Real Madrid.
Hugo Lloris has said his decision to stay at Tottenham Hotspur has been justified by the club's progress under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Lloris joined Spurs from Lyon in 2012 but considered leaving after two turbulent seasons that concluded with the sackings of Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood.
But the France captain said he decided to stay after Pochettino succeeded Sherwood in summer 2014, with the manager appointing the goalkeeper club captain soon afterwards.
Spurs have since mounted two Premier League title challenges, but their 1-1 Champions League draw at Real Madrid, in which Man of the Match Lloris made a number of stunning saves, felt like a landmark performance.
Asked if that justified his decision, he told the Press Association: "Yes -- from the first moment I believed in Pochettino, and that's it.
Real Madrid Tottenham Hotspur 1 1 FT Game Details Live football odds with bet365. Bet Now » Highlights GameCast Lineups and Stats
"I don't need that [result] to say yes, I was right at the time. It was just my feeling when I met him. Now I just enjoy the football we play. Sometimes in football you live great moments, and you live some sad moments.
"But there is a great potential in the squad, a great project in our club, and I am looking forward to seeing this development. I try my best to help the team and the club to develop."
Lloris made a point-blank save to deny compatriot Karim Benzema at 1-1, and said: "Everything came so quick. He was so close to the goal. I think he probably should have scored.
"I tried to get the most space as possible and then the ball hit me. It's part of our job -- sometimes you need luck."
Hugo Lloris excelled in Tottenham's draw at Real Madrid this week.
The result at the Bernabeu leaves Spurs and Real joint top of Group H, with the defending champions facing Spurs again at Wembley on Nov. 1.
Last season they beat only CSKA Moscow in the Champions League, with some disappointing Europa League campaigns having preceded that.
"This is what I said to my teammates -- don't forget that three years ago we were still in the Europa League," Lloris said.
"Last season we discovered as a team the Champions League, but we were very disappointed with the performances that we had.
"I think we built a strong confidence from the start of this competition with a good win against Dortmund. We confirmed that with a win in Nicosia, and you can see Dortmund drew [there] so it's not an easy place."
Dan is ESPN FC's Tottenham correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @Dan_KP.
Comments
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms. Learn more.
Source: espn.co.uk