Thomas Frank defends Micky van de Ven over Alexander Isak tackle

Liverpool boss Arne Slot had called Van de Ven's tackle "reckless"

Thomas Frank on Micky van de Ven's tackle on Alexander Isak: “Put it this way, if my defender does not do that, they are not true defenders!" Pic: Adam Davy/PA Wire.

Thomas Frank has defended Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven after his challenge on Alexander Isak was described as “reckless” by Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

Isak scored in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Spurs on Saturday, but broke his left leg in the process and has subsequently received surgery on a fractured fibula.

Van de Ven caught Isak when he attempted to block the opening goal, but Slot blasted the “reckless challenge” and claimed “if you make a tackle like that 10 times, 10 times there is a serious chance the player gets a serious injury” in his press conference on Tuesday morning.

Ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday, Frank said: “I am obviously disagreeing (with Slot) in many ways. We are talking about a defender that will do everything he can to avoid the goal.

“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. Unfortunately Isak plants his foot so it makes it look worse than it is, but that is a natural action for a defender.

“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 is very fair and I know the two players have sorted it out, so that’s a good sign.” 

Frank refused to discuss reports in Italy that Spurs’ co-sporting director Fabio Paratici could leave to join Fiorentina.

Press Association understands Tottenham are yet to receive an official approach from Fiorentina for Paratici, who only returned to the club in October after he stepped down from a similar role in 2023 after allegations of false accounting at former club Juventus.

“I think first and foremost, it’s not the first rumour I have to speak about. I just try to focus on the Palace game. That’s for people above,” Frank insisted.

However, Frank was able to reflect upon the departure of Matt Wells, who left his role as assistant coach on Tuesday to accept his first managerial role at Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids.

Frank added: “Very happy for Matt. It is a great opportunity for him.

“He is a very talented coach, he has good potential to become a good head coach. It is different when you stand on your alone but he has all the abilities to do well. I wish him all the best.

“When someone leaves, others need to step up and take on more responsibilities. That will be up to Cameron (Campbell), Justin (Cochrane) and Andreas (Georgson).

“I’m sure they are capable of that. Back in the day you’d only have one assistant, so I think we’ll survive.”