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Pochettino reacts to Real Madrid job rumours

Mauricio Pochettino has backed Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris, saying "we have short memories in football".

The France captain, 31, has endured a mixed season since winning the World Cup in July and was sent off in the 2-2 Champions League draw against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

In September he admitted a charge of drinking-driving and was fined £50,000 and banned from driving for 20 months.

"I'm so objective, he is one of the best," said Pochettino.

Against PSV, Lloris raced from his goal to bring down winger Hirving Lozano as the visitors led 2-1 with 11 minutes left. The Dutch side equalised eight minutes after his red card.

Lloris, who has only played seven games for Spurs this season because of injury, also gifted Barcelona their opening goal in a 4-2 defeat earlier this month.

Hugo Lloris was sent off against PSV Eindhoven in midweek

"Things happened and you cannot change," said Pochettino.

"He was important in games like Newcastle, Fulham, Manchester United, West Ham. In the games we won he was important. He didn't play and we lose games. We have short memories in football. After Watford I remember, 'oh we miss Hugo'."

He added: "When you are a keeper you love to take risks. It's a very unfair position. You need to be strong in your mentality to arrive in that level to play.

"I admire the keepers. It's an unfair position and its difficult for them to enjoy playing football. To be put in front of people that are trying to kill you shooting at 100mph. You need to be brave and love the risks."

At Friday's news conference, Pochettino was also asked about reports external-link linking him with a move to Real Madrid if current boss Julen Lopetegui is sacked.

"Because I am in a different country, my English is not so good, I don't follow too much the media," the Argentine, 46, added. "I don't have social media, I don't receive information.

"That's why my head, my face, I look younger than I actually am. Stuff like that happens in football. You can't change anything."

'Lloris is making too many mistakes'

Analysis: Former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas, speaking on BBC Radio 5 live's The Friday Football Social

Players go through dips in form and Hugo has had a tough couple of years.

If someone asks you who are the top four keepers, naturally Hugo's name is included but when you sit back and think, he's dropped a clanger here and he's dropped a clanger there.

He has gone into that bracket where he has made too many mistakes. At this point in time I think it's a big, big problem for Spurs.