Frank Refuses Arne Slot's Claim that Van de Ven's Tackle against Isak was Sloppy

JAKARTA - Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank rejected Liverpool manager Arne Slot's statement that Micky van de Ven's tackle on Alexander Isak was reckless.

He revealed that the two players had spoken to discuss the incident.

However, due to the tackle, Isak is expected to be out for about two months after undergoing surgery for a broken leg he suffered in the first half of the 2-1 win over Spurs on Sunday, December 21, 2025 WIB.

Isak was injured while scoring the opening goal when Van de Ven tried to stop the shot. He was not punished by referee John Brooks at the time.

"If you do a tackle like that 10 times, there is a high chance that the player will suffer a serious injury," Arne Slot said about Van de Ven's tackle.

The comments were made to Frank on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, local time, ahead of Tottenham's trip to Crystal Palace. The Spurs manager then said he disagreed with Arne Slot's statement.

"I obviously disagree in many ways. I think we're talking about a defender like Micky van de Ven who will do everything he can to avoid goals."

"It's a transition, so he's running back. There's a ball sliding across the side of the pitch and he's doing everything he can to see if he can block that shot, so he slides."

"Unfortunately, Isak planted his foot right there and it made him look worse than he really is. That would be the natural reaction for any defender."

"Look, if my defenders don't do that, I don't think they are real defenders. I don't see it at all. I think reckless tackles are usually, you've never seen any from Micky, as far as I know."

"He's a very fair and competitive player. That's one thing. I also know that both players have resolved this issue, so that's a good sign," said Frank.

Regardless, Frank declined to comment on whether Fabio Paratici would soon leave the club to join Fiorentina.

According to ESPN, Fiorentina are interested in exploring a deal for the Tottenham sporting director, but no formal approach has been made. Reports in Italy suggest Paratici is open to a move.

"I think, first and foremost, this is not the first rumor I need to talk about, whether it's staff, directors, or players."

"In general, I'm not going to talk about it. I'm trying to focus on the game against Crystal Palace," Frank said.