Last night, Tottenham underperformed even their own bleak expectations. The result speaks for itself, but Igor Tudor whipping a young Antonin Kinsky off the pitch not even a quarter into the game is, for lack of a better word, inexcusable. David de Gea, who knows a thing or two about goalkeeper scrutiny, has sided with Kinsky, hinting Tudor was in no position to make that call.
Posting to X (formerly Twitter), David de Gea posted a cryptic message about goalkeepers on the big stage. While he didn't outwardly mention Kinksy, or Tudor, everybody knows who it was about.
In his own words, David de Gea said "No one who hasn't been a goalkeeper can understand how difficult it is to play in this position." He also sided with Kinsky, saying "Keep your head up and you will go again."
Igor Tudor didn't just embarrass himself this time
Tottenham conceded just as many goals with Kinsky on the pitch as off it, so Tudor's bold call was made to look reckless and frankly, made without a thought in the world.
Kinsky's confidence will be rock bottom, but it shouldn't be. He is capable of playing in this Tottenham team, many would even argue he should be given the number 1 spot ahead of Vicario at this point.
Igor Tudor didn't just make a sub; he sent a loud message. It publicly humiliated Antonin Kinsky, and frankly, nobody would be shocked if he's the first to seek a transfer away from the club in the summer.
Barring injury, players are rarely subbed off after around 15 minutes. Heck, even before the second half. The case is made even worse when it's a goalkeeper being sent off.
De Gea is right, nobody understands goalkeepers like goalkeepers understand goalkeepers. Unless you are in the union, your opinion automatically means less compared to those in the union.
Igor Tudor is sending himself packing at this point
Many were guilty of expecting more from Igor Tudor, myself included. He seemed like the guy who could grab a team at rock bottom by the scruff of the neck and carry them to safety. Unfortunately, he has only pushed Tottenham down, not pulled them up.
It couldn't possibly get worse than Thomas Frank, but it has. Tottenham couldn't possibly get relegated, but they might. This entire season has been Tottenham shooting itself in the foot, and Igor Tudor publicly humiliating one of his younger players shows that he doesn't have Tottenham's future at heart.
Tottenham's future was, by the way, largely shaped by Mauricio Pochettino. What Tottenham fans would give to welcome him back with open arms.