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Coupet tells Lloris to leave Spurs

By Football News

Former France goalkeeper Gregory Coupet has accused Tottenham of putting Hugo Lloris in an 'intolerable' situation.

Lloris was signed by Andre Villas-Boas from Lyon for 12.3 million pounds in the off-season, but despite the Frenchman's fee and impressive reputation, the manager has opted to keep Brad Friedel as first choice this season.

And Lloris' compatriot Coupet feels his countryman may need to move away in order to save his talents from being wasted on the bench.

"If I were in (Lloris') place, I would leave. His situation is intolerable," he told reporters.

Coupet also played for Lyon, winning the Ligue 1 title seven times with the French giants.

He expressed his bemusement at how training sessions can work with Friedel, Lloris, Heurelho Gomes and Carlo Cudicini to choose from.

"There are four 'keepers. I don't understand how things go in training. It is a terrible waste of time for him there," Coupet said.

Lloris was given a rare start in a 3-1 Spurs win over Maribor in the Europa League on Thursday.

However, Coupet does not believe the goal was Lloris' fault, instead blaming Kyle Naughton for playing a risky back pass to the goalkeeper.

"(The goal) was provoked by a team-mate. The pass-back was disastrous. It was not down to a lack of confidence. His qualities are there and the fact his team won changes things," he said.