Roberto De Zerbi has revealed what he was considering regarding Antonin Kinsky when he first arrived at Tottenham Hotspur nearly two months ago.
Many Spurs players have managed to turn around their seasons since De Zerbi walked through the door, which is why Tottenham were able to pull off a great escape.
Senior stars like Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha all led from the front on the pitch in the Lilywhites’ final run-in, but one young man also put his hand up at a crucial time.
It appeared as if Kinsky’s career at Tottenham may be over after his 17-minute disaster at Atletico Madrid, but the 23-year-old has showcased his quality in the final seven games, coming up with some world-class saves at critical junctures.
Roberto De Zerbi reveals he considered making Antonin Kinsky Tottenham captain
The Czech shot-stopper did not have a lot to do in the first 75 minutes against Everton, but he once again delivered when called upon.
In stoppage time, he leapt to his left to stop a curling effort, which looked destined for the back of the net, thus ensuring the Lilywhites did not have their hearts in their mouths for the final few minutes of the game.
De Zerbi has revealed that after the events at the Metropolitano Stadium, he considered making Kinsky Spurs’ captain in his first game in charge to send a message of unity.
The Italian told Football.London: “About Kinsky, I want to say a secret. Before my first game in Sunderland, I thought to give, when I was in Italy, I thought to give for the Sunderland game, just for one game to make Kinsky the captain. To show just one thing, very important in football but in life. If we are a team, we are like a family.
“If one of us is going through a difficult period, we have to stay with him. Showing love, showing everything he needs, but he didn’t need it because he has a strong character, a strong personality. He’s a great goalkeeper.”
De Zerbi reveals how Guglielmo Vicario reacted to being dropped
The Tottenham boss chose to keep Kinsky in the team even when Guglielmo Vicairo returned from his injury lay-off.
The Italian was certainly at the forefront of the celebrations against Everton, and De Zerbi praised the 29-year-old for the attitude he has shown through the relegation battle.
He added: “I want to say also something for Vicario because with me he was fantastic. As a guy, staying at the side with his passion today on the bench. He accepted my decision with a smile.”
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