The performance of Friedel was a rare bright spot for Spurs during a 1-1 draw at home to Norwich City, with boos heard among a frustrated White Hart Lane crowd at the final whistle.
"It was an amazing game," the Spurs manager told Sky Sports. "He saved us a couple of times from going 1-0 down, so he was outstanding.
"Obviously the competition increases for him but the place is his, because he is a tremendous goalkeeper and he deserves that spot."
"I think in the first half we weren't so sharp," the Portuguese added.
"In the second half we improved a lot, were more creative, and fought hard to score the goal we deserved.
"But in the end we suffered again on a set-play and it is obviously a disappointing start for everyone, but you also have to give credit to Norwich.
"I think it is normal. You just have to wait for it [an upturn in form] to happen and it normally comes with hard work."
