Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel hits back at 'ignorant' Fabian Barthez

Brad Friedel has branded Fabian Barthez “ignorant” and “disrespectful” after the former Manchester United goalkeeper said he was baffled by Andre Villas-Boas' decision to keep the American as his number one despite the signing of Hugo Lloris.

Spurs boss Villas-Boas decided to stick with Friedel for last Sunday's win against Reading despite signing Lloris from Lyon on transfer deadline day.

The Portuguese rested 41-year-old Friedel for last night's Europa League game against Lazio and Frenchman Lloris impressed, keeping a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw.

Villas-Boas is adamant that it will take something special for him to cut short Friedel's run of 308 consecutive Barclays Premier League games.

However former France international Barthez is clearly bemused at the 34-year-old manager's management of the situation involving his country's current first-choice shot-stopper.

"Lloris is one of the five best goalkeepers in the world," Barthez told Le Parisien.

"He is faster than Friedel, he jumps higher and he is very strong mentally.

"What is happening now is incomprehensible, but I'm not concerned. He will become the centre-piece of the club. Hugo is a calm guy, a good worker. Tottenham will not let him stay on the bench for a long time."

Friedel took offence, however, and this afternoon launched a scathing attack on the player who spent four years at Old Trafford at the turn of the century.

The American wrote on Twitter: "Just saw barthez comments. I normally don't comment on such c**p but when disrespected by someone I don't respect I must.

"Barthez was ignorant, disrespectful and out of order to mention my name."

PA