Hugo on the State of play

Judging by his previous experiences of playing on US soil, Hugo Lloris says we’re in for three difficult matches on our forthcoming pre-season tour.

We jet off to the USA next week ahead of our first pre-season friendly against Seattle Sounders on July 19, before flying to Canada for a match against Toronto FC. We’ll then round off our trip by returning to the States to take on Chicago Fire as we continue our build-up to the new Premier League season.

French international goalkeeper Hugo, who this week committed his future to the Club with the signing of a new five-year contract, went on tour to the States and Canada in 2012 with previous club Lyon – and having been kept busy after both games went to a penalty shootout, he knows just how tough games across the Atlantic can be!

“I have watched some highlights from their league and I know the MLS teams are very competitive,” said the 27-year-old, who recently captained France to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Brazil.

“I have played in America and Canada myself – I played against Montreal Impact in 2012. I remember it because it was the first game of Alessandro Nesta and one of the first games of Marco Di Vaio for Montreal and we won on penalties.

“I also played in the Red Bull Arena a few days later, although it wasn’t against the Red Bulls. We actually played Montpellier in the French Champions Trophy and we won that game too – again on penalties.

“I’m sure they will be difficult matches this summer.”