Friedel welcomes AVB appointment

The Portuguese coach, 34, replaced Harry Redknapp earlier this summer less than six months after being dismissed by Chelsea. Villas-Boas has been taking pre-season training this week, and Friedel, 41, feels signs are positive the former Porto boss can be a success second time around in the Barclays Premier League.

"You can only take people on what you see, and from what I have seen he is a very ambitious manager, he is very organised and training has been very sharp," Friedel said on TalkSPORT.

"He has let us know he wants to come here to win things, so in the first couple of days, everything looks very good."

The American continued: "The club did a very good job of going out to get someone very ambitious.

"There are also a lot of great staff members behind the scenes here who stayed on, so there is still that Tottenham base. This is all positive and our fans should be excited for the upcoming season."

Friedel joined Spurs after his contract at Aston Villa expired last summer and quickly established himself as first choice under Redknapp. Spurs are reported to be close to bringing in France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, but the former United States stopper has no issues with the club looking to the future.

"We will welcome any good addition to the squad," he said.

"When I first signed here, there was no secret Tottenham would one day need a new long-term goalkeeper. I am 41, this could be my final season.

"I will do whatever (is) asked of me, whether that is number one, two or three and will do it to the best of my ability. When you get older, it is easier to realise this is a team sport and the egos have to take a back seat if you want to be successful."

Source: PA

Source: PA