Mon 01 February 2021, 14:54
Tottenham HotspurSunday should have been a celebration for Hugo Lloris, instead, it was a night for soul searching from the skipper after our 1-0 defeat against Brighton.
Number one since taking over from Brad Friedel in November, 2012, Hugo became only the 25th player to reach the 350 appearance milestone for the Club when he stepped out at the Amex, the first to do so since Jermain Defoe (2013) and Aaron Lennon (2014).
However, Brighton took the spoils thanks to Leandro Trossard’s goal after 17 minutes to consign us to a second defeat in the Premier League in four days and leave Hugo with plenty to reflect on.
Thoughtful and honest as ever, he said: “It took 45 minutes for the team to switch on. Unfortunately, we were then 1-0 down, so it makes things complicated and then it’s about personality, intensity, aggressiveness, there was too much lack of this tonight.
“So, a lot of disappointment, and we can feel a team with a bit of a lack of confidence, but we have to look forward. A big game is coming on Thursday (Chelsea at home, 8pm) and that’s the best way to react as a team.
“It’s a moment to stick together, but there is a lot of disappointment from the players, the manager, the coaching staff, the fans, because we expect more. It’s a situation we need to fix.”
I don’t know one player who is going on the pitch without a winning mentality. We always want the best
Asked why he felt the team lacked that ‘personality, intensity and aggressiveness’ at Brighton, Hugo added: “We know in the Premier League the level between teams is so tight, there are no big and small teams, year after year the league is more competitive and if you are not at your best, you pay for it straight away. That’s what happened, we paid the consequences for the first half.
“Listen, the only way forward is to stick together and prepare for the next game. The confidence will be back as soon as we get one good result. As you can see, this season is a strange season. You can win, you can lose. The most consistent teams will be at the top, so we cannot lose points anymore, especially in this way.
“I’m just sad for the team, the club, the fans, for myself. I don’t like this feeling. I don’t know one player who is going on the pitch without a winning mentality. We always want the best. I just belong to the team and I want to give the best to the team and enjoy the football with good performances and good results.”
