Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky is playing a central role in the club’s fight against relegation, months after a harsh Champions League lesson. Kinsky kept a clean sheet and produced a crucial save in a 1-0 win over Wolves, giving Tottenham a first victory of 2026.
That result eased some pressure on Tottenham, who remain in the Premier League relegation zone. Kinsky denied Joao Gomes in the 98th minute at Molineux, preserving three points that could prove important as Tottenham continue a difficult domestic campaign under intense scrutiny.
Kinsky is currently first choice because Guglielmo Vicario is out after a hernia operation. Since the latest international break, Kinsky has started all three Premier League matches for Tottenham, gaining
valuable experience while the club tries to stabilise performances and move away from the bottom three.
The 21-year-old’s growing role follows a painful night against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16. Tottenham faced Atletico in Madrid, and Igor Tudor selected Kinsky ahead of regular starter Vicario for the first leg, handing Kinsky a high-profile European debut.
Tottenham endured a disastrous start in that tie, conceding three times inside 15 minutes. Kinsky made two mistakes that led straight to goals, and Tudor replaced Kinsky after only 17 minutes. Tottenham eventually lost the first leg 5-2 and were beaten on aggregate, exiting the competition.
Kinsky believes that difficult evening has helped personal development, rather than damaged confidence. Reflecting on the experience with Sky Sports, Kinsky explained how the setback has influenced mentality, and why the response since then, including recent Premier League displays, shows a stronger approach to high-pressure games.
"Yeah, I would say I'm stronger by that one experience," Kinsky told Sky Sports. "It's not like before, I would feel weak. Now, I feel stronger because I made [that experience]. You make it because you are strong already, and it makes you just stronger, and it helps you just to grow. "
"There are always so many things to improve, so it just shows you the things that you can get better at, or to mentally adjust your approach a little bit towards the game. " Kinsky highlighted technical work and mental focus as key areas after reviewing the Atletico performance in detail.
Kinsky’s Champions League debut still carries personal meaning despite the outcome. "It was a moment, my debut in the Champions League, that I had been dreaming of as a young boy. For me, this was the thing that I was going for. I was looking forward to it so much," he said.
"Of course, after the game, I was sad that this happened. But on the other hand, I was calm. I have good people around me who always give me good feedback, what they really think about it, and they are honest with me. So, I spoke to them a lot, I listened to them. Then, I compared it to my feelings, and they were similar. Upon me, it was just to keep going and make sure that when the next opportunity comes, I will be ready again. "
Tottenham now prepare for an away match at Aston Villa on Sunday, continuing the push to secure Premier League status. Kinsky’s form, confidence and response to the earlier Champions League setback are likely to remain important as Tottenham seek stability across both defence and results.
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