Lloris dismisses Tottenham title talk: ‘Blah blah blah’

Matt Stead

Hugo Lloris has suggested Tottenham should concentrate not on winning the Premier League title, but on finishing in the top four.

Tottenham were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal in the north London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Read 16 Conclusions, then a Mailbox special from the game. We do treat you.

It leaves Spurs 11 points behind early leaders Manchester City after 12 games.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are still clinging onto fourth place however, and Lloris says that should be their seasonal objective.

“Before we think about City it is important to stay in the top four,” Lloris said.

“This is the main target for the team because we hear from outside about playing for the title, blah blah blah. I think the most important thing is to stay consistent in the league.

“We have been the last three years in the top four. We need to carry on to settle the club in this position and try to get more experience – this team is still young – and reduce the gap with the best and obviously the future for Tottenham will be great.”

Spurs will now look to bounce back against Borussia Dortmund in Germany on Tuesday, when victory will guarantee they go through as group winners to the Champions League last 16.

“I don’t think we have to go there with the spirit that we have qualified,” Lloris said. “For us we want to bounce back. It won’t taste good to lose two games in a row.”