Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has responded to Arne Slott’s comments about Mickey van de Veen after last weekend’s game against Liverpool.
Liverpool’s Alexander Isak broke the deadlock in the first half but was met with a stiff challenge from Tottenham defenders eager to intercept.
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The Liverpool forward suffered a broken leg and underwent surgery.
He scored just his second Premier League goal after a big-money move in the summer and will be out for several months.
Tottenham also received two red cards in that game and failed to control their emotions, allowing the Reds to leave North London with three points.
However, Frank did not regard Van de Veen’s tackle as a “reckless challenge”. The Spurs boss said (via the THFC website ): “Obviously, I don’t agree with that.
“In a lot of ways, we’re talking about a defender who’s going to do whatever it takes to avoid (a fumble). It’s a transition, so he’s sprinting back.
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“There was a ball sliding down the side and he did everything he could to block that shot.
“Unfortunately, Isak’s foot was planted directly there, which made things look worse than they actually were. It’s a natural reaction for any defender.
“Or, put it this way, if my defender doesn’t do that, I don’t think they’re a true defender. I don’t think so at all.
“I think reckless challenges, generally, you didn’t see any challenges on Mitch, as far as I know.
“I think he’s a very fair and competitive player. That’s one thing. I also know those two players have worked it out, so that’s a good sign.”
What happened to Isak was horrific and no one should underestimate the severity of his injuries.
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A broken leg is every professional’s nightmare. But intentions matter, and there was clearly no malicious intent in Van de Veen’s actions at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
This is a center back sprinting in transition, putting his body in front of the shot to stop it, which is the most basic defensive instinct.
Tottenham’s ace didn’t rush too late, didn’t cross the ball and didn’t target the man. He walked toward the block.
Isaac Bai’s unfortunate timing turned a brave split-second decision into a devastating outcome.
Football is fast and ruthless, and sometimes real accidents happen without any villains being involved.
