Tottenham manager praises Hugo Lloris decision about West Ham clash



Lloris lined up for France against England, visibly struggling with his emotions



TOTTENHAM manager Mauricio Pochettino has saluted Hugo Lloris' bravery after the keeper insisted he was mentally right to play against West Ham on Sunday.

 

The France captain was left in the dressing room alongside his team-mates last week while the Paris atrocities were occurring last Friday.

Lloris then featured in an emotional friendly international at Wembley on Tuesday and has refused to even contemplate skipping the clash at White Hart Lane.

"I didn't need to ask because when he saw me, he said I want to play," said Pochettino. "I didn't even need to ask.

 

"It was very difficult for him and for all of the French players and the English players, too. They were here training on Monday in the morning and you could feel that they were very sad to play.

"We always try to back them and give support. You try to share the moment, to speak and to offer support. We are human and sometimes you don't need words, you only need to touch the people and give them a hug."

Slaven Bilic returns to the ground where he made his West Ham playing debut with a 1-0 win in 1996 but, despite it being a huge local derby for supporters, he is downplaying its importance.

 

loris played against Tottenham teammates whom he will now lead against West Ham on Sunday

"I don't feel any dislike towards Spurs. No," he said.

But they know we are a club that can cause them problems. It would not be the first time. Last year, they got away with a draw. We will approach the game with that knowledge that if we are on top of our game we have a good chance."