Tottenham Hotspur have now turned their attention towards signing a Champions League-winning star in a bargain deal this summer.
Tudor: “It was necessary” to substitute Kinsky
Just when Tottenham fans didn’t believe it could get any worse, they saw their side fall three goals behind within 15 minutes against Atletico Madrid and their goalkeeper replaced within 17.
It was a brutal first 20 minutes for the Lilywhites and for Antonin Kinsky, who gave away possession twice inside his own box to gift Atletico Madrid an instant advantage.
After coming in to replace the out-of-form Guglielmo Vicario, some may have been pleased to see Kinsky and pleased that Igor Tudor had made a bold decision. To say that choice backfired would be an incredible understatement, however.
Despite receiving criticism for taking Kinsky out of the game after his mistakes, Tudor stood by his decision at full-time, telling reporters: “In my 15 years coaching, I never do that. It was necessary to preserve the guy, to preserve the team.
“Incredible situation, nothing to comment, you will see. It was, before the game, the right choice to do in the moment like we are. Pressure on Vicario, another competition, Toni is a very good goalkeeper. So, it was, for me, the right decision.
“I explained to Toni, also speaking after, that he is the right guy and a good goalkeeper. Unfortunately, it happened in this big game these mistakes.
“He was sorry. He made an excuse for the team. The team is with him. Me too. I was speaking with him, he understands the moment. He understands why he (had to) go out. So, as I said before, he is a very good goalkeeper. We are all together. It is not about one player, so, it has happened.”
It doesn’t get any easier for Spurs, either. Up next, Anfield awaits and even against an inconsistent Liverpool side, securing victory will be an almighty task – especially if one of their transfer targets starts.
Tottenham plotting second Robertson approach
No matter the result at Anfield, Spurs will have their sights set on Andy Robertson. According to Football Insider, Tottenham are now plotting a move to sign Robertson as a free agent when his Liverpool contract expires this summer.
Djed Spence sends clear message to Igor Tudor as Atletico Madrid compound Tottenham nightmare
TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher spotted the exchange.
The move will rely on their ability to avoid the drop, then it’s about convincing the 32-year-old to join – something they failed to do in the January transfer window.
“There was obviously interest there – there were discussions had with both sets of clubs. But the decision was that I wanted to stay. We stayed at Liverpool and that was the decision made. I was never not committed.” (Robertson)
Although he has fallen behind Milos Kerkez in the pecking order at Liverpool, Robertson would be an excellent signing for Tottenham. The £160,000-a-week defender would fill the leadership gap at the club as a Champions League and Premier League winner, whilst also adding plenty of quality.
As free transfers goes, Robertson would be one of the bargains of the summer if the Lilywhites manage to lure him to North London.