Brad Friedel and Fabien Barthez Embroiled in Goalkeeper Feud
By Ty Duffy
Brad Friedel would appreciate it if you not criticize him by name (and don’t you dare bring up his bizarre accent). The 41-year-old American goalkeeper lashed out at Fabien Barthez, a retired French World Cup-winning goalkeeper, on Twitter for saying Hugo Lloris was better than him while arguing Lloris should start at Tottenham.
Friedel was Tottenham’s starting goalkeeper last season. Him still being the starting goalkeeper this season has been controversial, since Spurs spent $24 million to acquire 25-year-old France No. 1 Hugo Lloris at the transfer deadline. Lloris has started for Tottenham in the Europa League, but has yet to start in the EPL.
Fabien Barthez found this ridiculous and relayed his thoughts to 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. What is happening now is incomprehensible, but I am not concerned. He will become the centerpiece for the club."
Considering the soccer matter, this is a simple decision for Spurs manager Villas-Boas. He faces pressure to start well with a new club. Friedel has been playing well. Don’t mess with success. Considering the personal matter, Friedel doused accelerant on flickering embers. Why bring up a comment an eccentric former player made in another country? His reaction made this a story.
[Photo via Getty]