France

Villas-Boas ready for Lyon test

AVB: Lyon a real test

AVB: Lyon a real test

Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas has challenged his Spurs side to prove they belong in the Champions League by beating Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League on Thursday.

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Spurs host Lyon at White Hart Lane in the first leg of the round of 32 of Europe's second tier competition.

Villas-Boas' side are in a prime position to qualify for the Champions League this season, and the Portuguese boss believes that the north London club can prove their worth by beating Les Gones, a team he believes belong in the premier European competition.

"This could be a test of whether we're good enough to play in the Champions League," the 35-year old said.

"I think we've been handed the most difficult draw of this knock-out phase. This is like a Champions League tie.

"Lyon represent a club with tremendous Champions League experience in recent years.

"It will be a good test for Tottenham. It's always going to be a learning experience for us and I think it can serve that purpose towards the future, that's for sure."

The former Porto boss also confirmed that Brad Friedel will probably get the nod in goal ahead of former Lyon stopper Hugo Lloris.

"Most likely Brad is going to be in goal," he added.

"It's a decision we've already taken. We know this tie represents a lot to Hugo on a personal level but, out of respect and confidence to Brad, we will continue to apply the same principle we have in the past and rotate the goalkeepers."

Posted: 13/02/13 16:40

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