Thomas Frank has strongly defended Micky van de Ven after Liverpool manager Arne Slot called the Tottenham defender's challenge on Alexander Isak “reckless”. Isak suffered a fractured fibula during Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Spurs, with the Sweden international undergoing surgery on Monday and facing “a couple of months” out.
Slot expressed anger that the tackle went unpunished and questioned its nature, saying: “If you make a tackle like that 10 times, 10 times there is a serious chance the player gets a serious injury.” Frank, however, insisted Van de Ven's actions were a natural defensive reaction in a transition situation. “If my defenders don't do that, then I don't think they are true defenders,” he said.
The Tottenham manager noted that Van de Ven had apologised to Isak and that the two players have resolved the matter. Frank described Van de Ven as a “very fair and competitive player” who has not shown a history of reckless challenges.
Slot confirmed that Isak, Liverpool's record £125m signing, is expected to feature before the end of the season but called the injury a major setback. Conor Bradley is rated 50-50 to face Wolves on Saturday, while Cody Gakpo could return after a muscle injury. Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo remain sidelined.
Frank declined to comment on reports linking co-sporting director Fabio Paratici with a move to Fiorentina, who are bottom of Serie A. Paratici returned to Tottenham in October after a consultancy role. Meanwhile, Spurs announced the departure of assistant coach Matt Wells, who has become head coach of the Colorado Rapids in MLS.
