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Hugo Lloris frustrated by Tottenham's Champions League form but backs Spurs to rival Europe's best

Green fingers: Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris says he trusts his chairman to make the summer signings Spurs need to improve the squad: Icon Sport via Getty Images
Green fingers: Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris says he trusts his chairman to make the summer signings Spurs need to improve the squad: Icon Sport via Getty Images

Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris admits he is frustrated by the club’s form in Europe and says a lack of experience is to blame.

Spurs exited the Champions League in the group stage last season, beating only CSKA Moscow before losing to Belgian minnows Gent in the last 32 of the Europa League.

Lloris, 30, played in a Champions League semi-final in 2010 with former club Lyon but Spurs’ best European run since he signed in 2012 has been the quarter-finals of the Europa League under Andre Villas-Boas in 2013.

He said: “It’s been five seasons now that I’m with Spurs and I’ve got a little bit frustrated about Europe. We’ve got the talent to go further than we have. Even in the Champions League — the highest level possible — we have the potential to reach another level.

“Hopefully this season we can prove our real value against the best teams in Europe and go as far as possible, even if the first target is to get out of the group stage. For many of the players last season, it was their first experience of the Champions League. We can say whatever we want but there is always a first time in your career.

“We know (we have) the talent and the potential but it’s step by step. You cannot arrive one day and get to the highest level. You need to go through different experiences.

“You need time, it’s a philosophy and that’s why we are waking up to work hard, push ourselves to the limit and try and get the success. I believe a lot in this team and the club.

“Every season the level has to be a step up — individually and collectively. We have a lot of ambition in our squad even if it’s still a young team.”

The France goalkeeper is unconcerned by Spurs’ lack of transfer activity, however. Spurs are the only Premier League club yet to make a summer signing, while they sold Kyle Walker to rivals Manchester City for £50m. “I trust my club, I trust my manager and the chairman,” Lloris said. “I don’t know what will happen for Tottenham in the next few weeks.

“I am just thinking about Tottenham but I know in the Premier League it’s getting harder every season but that’s why I love the Premier League — it’s the most competitive league in the world, every week is a big fight. That’s why I enjoy it.”

Asked if any other players could follow Walker in leaving, Lloris said: “In football, anything can happen. We all have individual ambition. Even if we belong to a club, then it’s about decisions — the chairman, the manager, the players. But I repeat: all the players are enjoying their time at Tottenham.

“We’re all ambitious, we all want success with Tottenham. That’s the way to think, the way to work. Under Mauricio Pochettino, we know we’ll be ready to compete again this season.

“In the last two or three seasons, we’re building something strong. It’s about the concept, it’s about basics and one thing that can help us is knowing each other so well. We’re used to working together for a long time now and that’s a strength.”