Premier League 2025-26: Frank defends Tottenham’s Van de Ven over tackle on Isak

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank stood by his defender Micky van de Ven after Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the player was reckless in his challenge against Alexander Isak, leaving the Liverpool forward with a broken leg.

Isak and Van de Ven resolved it between themselves after the Swedish striker was forced off during Saturday’s Premier League match, Frank added. Slot said Van de Ven’s challenge on Isak, made when the Swedish forward scored the first goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 win, would have caused serious injury 10 times out of 10.

«Obviously I don’t agree with that… we’re talking about a defender who will do everything he can to avoid the goal. It’s a transition, so he sprints back in. A ball has slid down the side and he’s doing everything he can to block it,» Frank told reporters on Tuesday. «Unfortunately, Isak has planted his foot right there, which makes it look worse than it is… put it this way, if my defender doesn’t do that, I don’t think they’re real defenders. I don’t see that at all. I don’t think reckless challenges are something you’ve normally seen from Micky.»

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«I also know that the two players have resolved it, so that is a good sign.» Saturday’s loss leaves Spurs in 14th place, with one win in their last eight league matches ahead of Sunday’s visit to eighth-placed Crystal Palace, who are four points ahead of Frank’s team.

Frank credited manager Oliver Glasner, who led Palace to their first FA Cup victory this year, for the strong start to their league season after finishing 12th last season.

«I think Oliver has done an excellent job at Palace. Very impressive. Clear identity of the team. Defend low, very compact and difficult to break down and very good on the counters,» said Frank. “They are one of the best at corners and have added long throws.”

Published on December 23, 2025