Hugo Lloris has called on Tottenham players to "increase the mental aspect" as they aim for a very successful campaign in north London. Victorious at the weekend with a convincing 4-1 victory over Southampton, Antonio Conte's men sit top of the Premier League after the first round of games.
The Lilywhites were in complete control against the south coast club and perhaps should have won by more given the amount of openings they created over the 90 minutes. Starting the season with a win for the second year on the trot, Lloris believes Spurs have made big improvements during Conte's tenure but now it's about reducing the gap with the Premier League's best and also Europe's best in the Champions League.
"Yeah but last season we started with three wins and three clean sheets. But with different feelings," said the World Cup winner. "I believe the work we've done the last eight months plus pre-season is giving us on the physical aspect and the tactical aspect a lot of guidance and a reference point.
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"And then we need to increase - and this is down to the players - the mental aspect to become even more important competitive and to reduce the gap with the best teams in the country and in the Champions League the best teams in Europe.
"I believe we're in the right way. But again, it's easy to talk right now in front of you. The most important thing is to show it every time we have the possibility, every time we face an opponent. We have to build this confidence in the right way."
Following a strong finish to last campaign and Conte having the opportunity to have a full pre-season with his players, a lot of people are expecting Tottenham to have a very good campaign. Amid all the noise surrounding the club at present, Lloris and the team are just focusing on their work both at Hotspur Way and on the pitch.
"I don't know. We're just focused on our days to be honest. I believe it with the eight previous months and also the pre-season it gives us a strong structure and the basics," he said. "We know each other well and there's also the addition of quality players and international players, so obviously we're going to try to be as competitive as we can.
"That's our target, that's the standard the club wants to reach and we're going to push together. But I repeat: it's just game by game. There's a big challenge for us next week at Stamford Bridge and we'll try in the same way to respect our philosophy and respect the way we want to play, and we want to compete."
Losing three times against Chelsea at the turn of the year, Conte admitted after Tottenham's win over West Ham in March that he wanted to face them again following his side's big improvement on the pitch. Now set to play their first London derby of the season, Lloris is looking forward to the challenge awaiting them at Stamford Bridge.
"Yeah, obviously when you face that kind of opponent it's a good moment to judge yourself. But again after two games, whatever is the result [next weekend] there will be plenty of games ahead of us," explained the Frenchman.
"But it's more that in this competitive way. we can confirm this good result and performance [against Southampton] and feel and show improvement compared to last season. Chelsea is a very strong team, very competitive, they will probably be a contender for the title and it's good for us to go there and challenge them."
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