Tottenham Hotspur’s previous coaching staff were reportedly concerned about goalkeeper Antonin Kinksy’s performance in training. The 22-year-old has only featured in one Carabao Cup game this season and is second in the standings to Guglielmo Vicario.
Kinksy, who played under manager Ange Postecoglou last season, was given an extended starting role immediately upon joining the club in January due to the Italian goalkeeper sustaining a long-term ankle injury. His impressive performances, including his debut against Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, were noteworthy.
However, BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel reported that the youngster’s performance had declined, including during training sessions. Kinksy is seven years Vicario’s junior and is seen as a promising prospect at the north London club. Vicario has faced criticism this season, with doubts over his ability to command his area despite a generally strong start to the season under manager Thomas Frank.
Despite Spurs managing to win and move up to third place, the goalkeeper was blamed for the goal against Leeds United. This has led to rumors that they could sign an alternative option for Goal in the January transfer window.
In a Q&A on the BBC Sport website, Mokbel denied rumors of signing a new keeper in the January transfer window. However, while debunking reports that a new goalkeeper had been brought in at the start of the year, it also revealed worrying signs regarding Kinski’s progress following the 22-year-old’s recent decline in performance levels.
“I don’t think a new goalkeeper will be a priority for Tottenham anytime soon,” he said. “As for Kinski, he joined in January and had a very promising start at Spurs, playing regularly under then manager Ange Postecoglou as Vicario was out for an extended period with injury.
“However, we have heard that as Vicario approached fitness, even in training, his performance deteriorated. That certainly set off alarm bells for the previous coaching team.” Judging by the verdict he gave when Kinski conceded the win against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup, Frank still appears to be oblivious to the problem.
“I’m very happy with him as a goalkeeper,” he said. “I think he’s a very good goalkeeper and I think he has very high potential. I’m not happy for players who aren’t starting. There are probably players who understand a little bit more, and maybe some outfield players. When you’re young you try to make your own way, but at a certain stage you always want to play. It’s the same with goalkeepers.”
