The challenge that led to Alexander Isak’s broken leg has sparked debate and Thomas Frank has launched a strong defence after Arne Slot’s criticism
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has hit back at Arne Slot and launched a stirring defence of Spurs star Micky van de Ven, after the Liverpool coach claimed that the Dutchman’s challenge on Alexander Isak would always result in injury.
Isak broke his leg due to a challenge by Van de Ven, which left the Sweden international in a heap moments after slotting the ball into the net in north London. The striker was immediately replaced and is now set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.
And speaking in his press conference on Wednesday, Slot called out Van de Ven’s challenge and claimed it was worse than Xavi Simons’ red card foul in the same game. Frank has a different view on Van de Ven’s efforts.
“Obviously I am disagreeing,” said the Lilywhite head coach. “In many ways, we are talking about a defender that will do everything to avoid (conceding) the goal.
“It’s a transition so he is sprinting back in. There’s a ball slid down in the side and he does everything he can to block that shot.
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“Unfortunately, Isak has planted his foot straight there which makes it look worse than it is. That would be a natural reaction for any defender. Or, put it this way, if my defender doesn’t do that, I don’t think they are true defenders.
“I don’t see that at all. I think reckless challenges, normally, you haven’t seen any from Micky, as I remember it. I see him as a very fair and competitive player. That’s one thing. I also know the two players have sorted it out so that’s a good sign.”
Slot was less forgiving. “It was for me a reckless challenge,” he said.
“Xavi Simons [tackle on Virgil van Dijk] was completely unintentional. I don’t think you will ever get an injury out of a tackle like that.
“The tackle of Van de Ven, if you make that tackle 10 times then 10 times there’s a serious chance a player could get a serious injury.”
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher does not believe Van de Ven’s tackle on Isak was ever deserving of a red card. “I can’t see that he’s done anything that a footballer wouldn’t,” Gallagher said on Sky Sports Ref Watch.
“I would be astonished if that was given as a red card anywhere on the field. Players mistime challenges all the time. He’s slightly late… it’s not a red card. Whether it be in the penalty area, in the D, the centre circle or the other half.”
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