Tottenham manager Thomas Frank backed defender Micky Van De Ven after Liverpool boss and other pundits had criticised the Dutchman’s challenge on Alexander Isak during the Premier League clash between
the teams during the weekend, which left the Swede with a fractured leg.
“The tackle of Van De Ven, if you make that tackle ten times, I think ten times there’s a serious chance that a player gets a serious injury,” Slot had said.
Jumping to his player’s defence, Frank strongly disagreed with Slot’s evaluation of the challenge and stated that the Dutchman followed natural action for a defender during the tackle.
“I am obviously disagreeing in many ways. We are talking about a defender that will do everything he can to avoid the goal,” Frank said.
“It is a transition, there is a ball down the side and he is doing everything he can to block the shot so he is sliding,” the former Brentford manager added.
“Unfortunately, Isak plants his foot so it makes it look worse than it is, but that is a natural action for a defender,” the Dane said.
“Put it this way, if my defender does not do that, they are not true defenders.”
“Reckless challenge? I don’t think you see anything like that from Micky,” he said.
“I see him as a very fair and competitive player. That’s one thing. I know the two players have sorted it out, so that’s a good sign.”
Isak and Hugo Ekitike scored to secure the win for Slot’s team against Thomas Frank’s side. However, Isak had to be substituted after Van de Ven’s tackle caused him significant pain. As a result of the challenge, Isak is expected to be sidelined for two months with a fractured leg.
Slot also confirmed that star midfielder Florian Wirtz, who was forced off during the game against Spurs with a cramp, will be fit for Liverpool’s clash against Wolves.
