Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky has spoken out after his Champions League debut for the club turned into a personal ordeal. The 22-year-old Czech was substituted after just 17 minutes by manager Igor Tudor during Thursday's round-of-16 first leg against Atletico Madrid, having been at fault for two goals in a 5-2 defeat.
Kinsky, who was selected ahead of Guglielmo Vicario, slipped and gifted Atletico an early opener, then miskicked the ball against his own leg to allow Julian Alvarez an empty net for the third goal. As he trudged off, Tudor did not acknowledge him, though several teammates attempted to console the goalkeeper.
On Wednesday, Kinsky posted on Instagram to thank those who had supported him. He wrote: "Thanks for the messages. From dream to nightmare to dream again. See you."
Tudor defended his decision to start the young keeper and explained the substitution was made to protect him. "What happened is very rare," the Croatian said. "I've been coaching for 15 years, I've never done this. It was necessary to preserve the guy, preserve the team. Incredible situation, nothing to comment." He added that Kinsky remains "a very good goalkeeper" and that the team is behind him.
Tudor also confirmed that Kinsky is expected to return to the bench for Sunday's Premier League match against Liverpool. "It was, before the game, the right choice to do in the moment like we are, with the pressure on Vicario, another competition," he said. "Unfortunately, it happened in this big game, these mistakes. He was sorry. The team is with him, me too."
