The Spurs goalkeeper was substituted for Guglielmo Vicario in the Champions League last-16 first leg in Spain, but had a rough night and was substituted after 16 minutes. His wayward passing allowed the La Liga side to take the lead within the first five minutes, but a defensive mistake made it 2–0.
One of Kinski’s most notable mistakes occurred when he attempted to make his first pass, but missed a clearance and handed the ball to Atlético’s Julián Alvarez, leaving the goal empty.
In a ruthless move, Tottenham manager Igor Tudor decided to replace Kinski, with Vicario back in place for the rest of the game, as Spurs surrendered 5-2. Kinski, looking devastated, continued straight down the tunnel.
Courtois has since been contacted and believes that the playing surface of the Wanda Metropolitano has caused several difficulties.
He said: “I sent him a message on Instagram because it was tough. In the end, nothing as bad as him happened to me, but after the game against Ajax here at home, I also received a lot of criticism.”
The Real Madrid goalkeeper later added, “It’s mentally tough to keep going. I need the support of the team to feel good again in training. In the end, I think the pitch is causing more problems, not only for Tottenham and Atlético, but for many of the teams that played there.”
Igor Tudor is under enormous pressure after losing all four games, raising questions about his future. The 47-year-old admitted he made the wrong decision to insert Kinski into the starting XI, but believed it was a wise move before kick-off.
“Looking at what happened, definitely it was the wrong decision. But for me it was the right decision, because thinking ahead, the team changed the competition and in that moment it was the right thing to do. Unfortunately, what happened happened. I have never changed goalkeepers in 14 minutes. It’s not easy, that’s what happened.”
Courtois took issue with Tudor’s decision to send Kinski off after his second mistake, suggesting the young shot-stopper “could have regained some of the confidence he lost with some great saves”.
