Hugo Lloris: 'Moussa Sissoko has a lot to prove at Spurs'
Hugo Lloris admits his fellow Frenchman has “a lot to prove” at Tottenham and concedes the midfielder will need to play more than last season – with Spurs or elsewhere – to be an asset at next summer’s World Cup.
Sissoko became Spurs’ joint record signing when he arrived from Newcastle for £30million last August, having impressed during France ’s run to the Euro 2016 final.
However, he failed to make an impact at White Hart Lane , only starting 12 games in all competitions and contributing just three assists, with no goals.
Sissoko voiced his frustrations at the end of May, saying “it was the worst season of my career” and adding “we’ll talk with my agent to make the best decision. My goal is to go to the 2018 World Cup”.
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His future has been in doubt, despite Mauricio Pochettino’s insistence on Saturday that the 27-year-old remains part of his plans – and his chances of making a fresh start at Tottenham and impressing the manager have been hampered by his absence from Spurs’ pre-season tour of the USA, due to a virus.
“It’s not an easy situation for him, for the team and for the manager,” said Lloris, the captain of both Spurs and France .
“Obviously the manager would prefer to have him in the squad and involved in our USA tour but unfortunately he cannot be here. But he’s preparing himself to be ready for the next weeks.
“Moussa is strong in his mind. I’ve played with him for a while and I’m not really worried.
“It’s true that last season was a bit frustrating for him and he’s got a lot to prove, and then we’ll see what will happen in this period. Everything can happen but I know Moussa and he’s still committed towards the team.”
Lloris, speaking after helping to maintain a lawn on the iconic High Line in New York , continued: “Moussa is important for the French national team. He’s a consistent player, he’s been in the national team for a while.
“He needs to play, obviously, more than last season. But then it’s a question of choices. It doesn’t belong to me, it belongs to him and we will see what will happen.
“What’s the difference between international football and club football? I think it’s more about style of football.
“It’s true that at Tottenham we play with a philosophy, with more focus on a concept, and then there’s a lot of competition in our team, in our squad.
“We have a lot of talented players, committed, ready to help the team – and then the gaffer will decide who will be in the starting XI.
“But it doesn’t affect the changing room because there’s a great atmosphere, a great attitude, and we’re all enjoying our time at Spurs.”
Sissoko also missed Tottenham’s pre-season preparations last season due to his late arrival on deadline day – which may have been a factor as he struggled to stake his claim for a place in the team.
Asked how difficult it is to adapt to new surroundings after a late move, Lloris said: “I’m the best example for that. I arrived in the last day of the market and I remember it was not easy for me. But we don’t have a word to say as the player. It’s up to the club.
“We know the transfer market is not an easy period for players, for their minds, for their preparations too, for their bodies.
“The most important thing is to try to be focused on yourself, try to make yourself fit and make sure your mind is ready, whatever will happen in your club or in your future club. That’s football, that’s part of our job.”
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