This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. David De Gea, goalkeeper for Fiorentina, came to the defense of Antonín Kinsky from Tottenham, who was substituted by his coach, Igor Tudor, just 17 minutes into the Champions League round of 16 heavy defeat against Atlético Madrid (2-5), after being responsible for two of the three goals conceded before leaving the field. "No one who hasn't been a goalkeeper can understand how difficult it is to play in this position. Keep your head up and you'll have another opportunity," wrote the Spanish keeper in a message directed at the Czech player. English goalkeeper Joe Hart also weighed in on the matter, vehemently criticizing Tudor for the substitution and the disregard shown to Kinsky. "To reach this level and sign for Spurs, one mistake doesn't change you. It's a technical error, but what precedes it… Was it the right decision? Maybe yes. But what I saw afterward… I hate to react negatively because I want to know all the facts. But the fact that he substituted him in this situation, after having put him in the game… But he is young, only 22 years old, he is not a man yet and did nothing to harm Spurs," he emphasized. "He had some bad moments, but to destroy him in this situation and not even give him attention? All the Tottenham players, who feel the pain, didn't know what to do. How could that be good for him? As a goalkeeper, you have to accept that you will have nights like this. Everyone has had them: Gianluigi Buffon, Manuel Neuer, Peter Schmeichel… They also had those moments. But, above all, he will feel so unwanted regarding the coaching staff. At least, they should treat him a bit like a human being. I understand the situation and it needs to be handled seriously. There are always craziness in football. This was a craziness, and the coach probably didn't handle it as he should have. I saw how the hearts of everyone on the bench shrank. As if they were saying: 'Don't worry, we're here for you.' This is the human side of things. If you don't want to show it, then start the division," Hart explained in the TNT Sports studio. After the game, Tudor himself explained his unconventional substitution. "I have been a coach for 15 years and have never done it before. But it was necessary to protect the boy and the team. It was an incredible situation. Before the game, it was correct to put him in, as Guglielmo Vicario was under pressure, and Toni is a pretty good goalkeeper. Of course, after what happened, it's easy to say that the decision was not correct. Toni regretted and apologized to the team. He is a smart boy and a good goalkeeper. The team is with him, as am I, and he understands that. Unfortunately, he made big mistakes in an important game. For us, it was too much at that moment when we were fragile and weak," he commented.
De Gea Tottenham remains central to this story.
De Gea Tottenham remains central to this story.
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