Spurs veteran excited about U.S. tour

Brad Friedel looks forward to balanced preparations

By Zain Alvi | 9th July 2012

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Brad Friedel has expressed excitement about returning to his native United States for this month’s pre-season tour.

The Spurs are set to take on MLS duo Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Red Bulls over the course of their journey while also squaring off against Liverpool in Baltimore on July 28.

In the interview below, Friedel discusses high expectations from the quality of Tottenham’s MLS opponents and the state-of-the-art design of the facilities that the team will be using across the Atlantic.

Friedel, 41, started his career in California as a UCLA Bruin before moving on to stints with other Premier League clubs such as Newcastle United, Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, and Aston Villa.

The veteran stopper will return to Los Angeles to kick-off his club’s pre-season tour against MLS Cup holders Galaxy on July 24 before facing the Reds four days later and the Red Bulls a further three days apart.

He acknowledges that Andre Villas-Boas’ side will be busy while in the U.S. but knows that the packed schedule will also keep the tour very professional.

Ultimately, Friedel sums up the tour as an opportunity to prepare for the 2012-13 season in a balanced way: “hard work but enjoyable at the same time.”