Hugo talks ambition, belief, responsibility - and Vitesse
Wed 03 November 2021, 17:30|
Tottenham Hotspur
Hugo Lloris says it’s 'time to believe again' - and it all starts against Vitesse Arnhem in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday night (8pm).
Excitement is palpable following the arrival of Antonio Conte as our new Head Coach. One of the greats of the modern era with titles at Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan as recently as last season, Antonio was officially appointed on Tuesday morning.
This new era starts with what Hugo - at the Club since 2012, 383 appearances, skipper since 2014 - describes as a ‘must-win’ game against Vitesse at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Certainly, in terms of Group G, it is a crucial fixture. We’re currently third on four points with Vitesse and Stade Rennais (9 December) to play at home, and a trip to NS Mura (25 November). Rennes top the group on seven points, Vitesse have six after beating us last time out. Victory will lift us back above the Dutch side and put us back on track.
“We are full of ambition in this competition, and we are not in a good position in the table,” said Hugo. “It’s a must-win game. There are still three games to play in this group stage and we have ambition to finish first and to go through to the next round.
“For that, we need to deliver a big performance not only for this competition, but to start well in the new process under Antonio Conte.
“We have a short time to prepare for the next two games, they are very important for the next month and we want the best feeling before the international break.
“Obviously, a lot has happened in the last 48 hours. We need to switch on with a new manager, with new ideas of football, with a new philosophy of work, and it demands a lot, energy, focus, from everyone. Again, we have to put all our energy into the next two games, deliver the best performances and play the football the manager expects from us.”
Hugo closing in on Stevie P
If Hugo features against Vitesse, he will move level with legendary former skipper Steve Perryman's 64 European appearances for the Club. Harry Kane tops the list - and is also our leading European goalscorer (43).
66 - Harry Kane
64 - Steve Perryman
63 - Hugo Lloris
58 - Aaron Lennon
56 - Ben Davies, Jan Vertonghen
51 - Dele, Christian Eriksen, Heung-Min Son
Asked about the determination of the squad to take the Club forward, Hugo responded: “Yes, with Antonio Conte and his staff, they are going to bring a new energy, new ideas of football.
“They are going to give us a proper team structure and provide the best for the players. Again, it shows the expectation from the Club and the fans, a lot of ambition.
“We know it’s time to believe again in ourselves after a disappointing start to the season with a lot of ups and downs, for different reasons. Also, we need to feel this responsibility as players, to respond to the demands of the fans, the Club, the manager and his coaching staff.”
