Frank defends Van de Ven after Slot’s ‘reckless’ dig at the Tottenham star | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has responded to Arne Slot’s comments on Micky van de Ven following the clash with Liverpool last weekend.

Liverpool’s Alexander Isak broke the deadlock in the first half, but took a nasty challenge from the onrushing Spurs defender eager to make a block.

The Liverpool striker suffered a leg break and has undergone surgery.

He will be out for months after scoring only his second Premier League goal following his big-money summer move.

Tottenham also received two red cards in that game, failing to manage their emotions and allowing the Reds to leave North London with all three points.

However, Frank does not believe Van de Ven’s tackle was a ‘reckless challenge’. The Spurs gaffer said (via THFC’s website), “Obviously, I am disagreeing.

“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.

“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.”

What happened to Isak was horrific, and no one should downplay the severity of the injury.

A leg break is every professional’s nightmare. But intent matters, and there was clearly nothing malicious in Van de Ven’s actions at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

This was a centre-back sprinting back in transition, throwing his body in front of a shot to stop a goal, the most basic defensive instinct there is.

The Tottenham ace didn’t lunge late, go over the ball, or target the man. He went for the block.

The unfortunate timing of Isak planting his foot turned a brave, split-second decision into a devastating outcome.

Football is fast and unforgiving, and sometimes genuine accidents happen without any villain involved.