De Gea’s message to under-fire Tottenham keeper Kinsky: ‘No one can understand’ | OneFootball

Fiorentina star David De Gea sided with under-fire Tottenham goalkeeper Antonín Kinský, who was subbed off after just 17 minutes in a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid last night: ‘Keep your head up.’

Tottenham suffered a 5-2 away loss to Atletico Madrid last night, with coach Igor Tudor and Spurs’ second-choice keeper Kinsky in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

De Gea to Kinsky: ‘No one can understand…’

Tudor dropped Italy international Guglielmo Vicario to give Kinsky his Champions League debut at 22, but the Czech goalkeeper poorly conceded two of Atletico Madrid’s opening three goals in the first 15 minutes and was subbed off after just 17.

Fiorentina star De Gea came out in defence of the young Tottenham goalkeeper with a message on X social media: “No one who hasn’t been a goalkeeper can understand how difficult it is to play in this position,” wrote De Gea.

“Keep your head up and you will go again.”

PISA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: David de Gea of ACF Fiorentina reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and ACF Fiorentina at Arena Garibaldi on September 28, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Sky Sport Italia pundit Paolo Di Canio, a former West Ham star, examined Tudor’s decisions, especially Kinsky’s unconventional substitution after just 17 minutes, suggesting that the ex-Juventus coach might pay a high price in his coaching career.

Overall, it was a very bad night for Italian football as Atalanta, the only Serie A side remaining in the Champions League Round of 16, suffered a 6-1 home loss to Bayern Munich.