Challenge that led to Alexander Isak’s broken leg sparks debate, with Thomas Frank launching strong defense after Arne Slott’s criticism
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank hit back at Arne Slott and launched an inspired defense of Spurs star Micky van de Ven. This comes after the Liverpool manager claimed that the Dutchman’s challenge on Alexander Isak was sure to result in injury.
Isak broke his leg following a challenge from Van de Ven and the Sweden international was thrown into chaos after he sent the ball into the net in north London. The striker was quickly replaced and is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery.
And Slott condemned Van de Ven’s challenge in a press conference on Wednesday, claiming it was worse than Xavi Simmons’ red card foul in the same match. Frank has a different view of Van de Ven’s efforts.
“Obviously I don’t agree,” the Lilywhites head coach said. “In many ways, we are talking about a defender who does his best to avoid (conceding) goals.
“It’s a transition so he’s sprinting back, the ball is sliding down the side and he’s doing everything he can to block that shot.
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“Unfortunately, Isak straightened his leg there and made it look worse than it actually was. That would be a natural reaction for any defender. Or to put it another way, if my defenders don’t do that, I don’t think they’re real defenders.”
“I don’t see it at all. Normally I don’t think I’ve seen reckless challenges from Mickey, but as far as I can remember. I see him as a very fair and competitive player, so that’s one thing. I also know that two players worked it out, so that’s a good sign.”
Slots weren’t as forgiving. “It was a reckless challenge for me,” he said.
“The tackle on Xavi Simmons (on Virgil van Dijk) was completely unintentional. I don’t think you would ever get injured in a tackle like that.
“Van de Ven’s tackle, if you make that tackle 10 times, there’s a very good chance that a player will be seriously injured 10 times.”
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher does not think Van Deven’s tackle on Isak merited a red card. “I don’t think he did anything that a footballer wouldn’t do,” Gallagher told Sky Sports Ref Watch.
“I would be surprised if it came out as a red card anywhere on the field. Players always mistime the challenge. He’s a little late… it’s not a red card. Whether it’s in the penalty area, in the D area, in the center circle or in the other half.”
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