Andre Villas-Boas insists he is “immune” to criticism amid the ongoing Hugo Lloris debate after his troubled spell at Chelsea.
Tottenham have been criticised for failing to remove Lloris from the field of play after the goalkeeper was knocked unconscious following a clash with Romelu Lukaku at Goodison Park on Sunday.
However, Lloris, who was given the all-clear following a brain scan, returned to first-team training at on Wednesday ahead of their Europa League clash against Sheriff Tirasol.
And Villas-Boas, who spent eight difficult months at Stamford Bridge, was defensive when questioned about the club’s decision to allow Lloris to complete the full 90 minutes of the goalless draw.
“After my Chelsea experience, I took a vaccine which makes me immune to a couple of things,” said Villas-Boas. “I’ve lived through a lot.
Villas-Boas also defended Tottenham doctor Shabaaz Mughal and physio Geoff Scott, who were integral to saving Fabrice Muamba at White Hart Lane in 2012, claiming the pair have been poorly respected following the incident.
“What is extremely disappointing is that two people – a great doctor and a great physio – that saved the life of Fabrice Muamba – were heavily put into question by lots of incompetent people who have no experience on the pitch or in the moment. That’s extremely serious and disappointing.”
He added: “I stand by the decision that I took – and decision that the medical department took after checks on the player to the book.
“I stand by the decision that gave us the green light for the player to continue.”
Villas-Boas also rubbished the suggestion that the Lloris situation was comparable to other sports, such as rugby union and NFL.
“My medical department has followed the Premier League guidelines for this type of situation.” Villas-Boas continued.
“It’s not comparable to NFL situation, rugby situation or Petr Cech’s situation.
“It astonishes me that he is trying to be put in the same mould of all of these situations that happened in the past.”