Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino defends Hugo Lloris after Barcelona mistake

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has backed under-fire goalkeeper Hugo Lloris after his costly error against Barcelona in the Champions League.

The French World Cup winner returned to the side for the first time since August on Wednesday but made a careless decision in the build-up to Barcelona's opening goal in the 4-2 victory for the Spanish side at Wembley.

However, Pochettino defended Lloris during his press conference on Friday, insisting he remains one of the best in the business.

"He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world," he said. "That has not changed. Nothing has changed in my mind, how I think about him."

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Lloris has been limited to just three appearances for Spurs so far this season, having started 36 of his side's 38 Premier League games in 2017-18.

He played a further seven times in the Champions League last campaign, including in memorable wins over Borussia Dortmund and eventual winners Real Madrid.

Wednesday marked the first time Lloris has appeared for Spurs since pleading guilty last month to drink-driving.

Although refusing to blame the 31-year-old, Pochettino admitted Spurs cannot afford those types of errors if they hope to compete against Europe's elite.

"Of course to win this type of match you need to be lucky and not make a mistake," he said.

"Of course how we started the game was so difficult and tough, the worst way you can think or prepare, but that is football.

"The most important thing is how we reacted and how the team fought and never gave up."

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