Friedel hits out at 'ignorant' Barthez

Brad Friedel has branded Fabian Barthez "ignorant" and "disrespectful" after the former Manchester United goalkeeper said he was baffled by Andre Villas-Boas' decision to keep the American as his number one despite the signing of Hugo Lloris.

Spurs boss Villas-Boas decided to stick with Friedel for last Sunday's win against Reading despite signing Lloris from Lyon on transfer deadline day. The Portuguese rested 41-year-old Friedel for Thursday night's Europa League game against Lazio and Frenchman Lloris impressed, keeping a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw.

Villas-Boas is adamant that it will take something special for him to cut short Friedel's run of 308 consecutive Barclays Premier League games. However former France international Barthez told Le Parisien: "Lloris is one of the five best goalkeepers in the world. He is faster than Friedel, he jumps higher and he is very strong mentally."

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