Football London

The Tottenham Hotspur head coach has been speaking about one of his defenders and a departing coach ahead of the club's festive break

Thomas Frank has called Micky van de Ven a 'true defender' as he hit back at Liverpool boss Arne Slot's condemnation of the Dutchman's challenge which injured Alexander Isak and the Dane has backed former academy product Matt Wells to shine in his first managerial role.

The 24-year-old Tottenham centre-back attempted to block Isak's shot for Liverpool's first goal in their 2-1 victory on Saturday but not only did the ball still fly into the net, the challenge caught the Swede's left foot, causing an ankle injury and a fibula fracture. Following surgery, the £125million striker is facing months out.

“It was a reckless challenge,” Slot vented at his press conference on Tuesday. "If you make a tackle like that 10 times, 10 times there is a serious chance the player gets a serious injury."

Tottenham boss Frank hit back with a staunch defence of Van de Ven's character and the incident itself.

"I'm obviously disagreeing in many ways. I think we are talking about a defender in Micky van de Ven who will do everything he can to avoid the goal," said the Dane. "It's a transition. So he's sprinting back in. There's a ball slid down the side and he does everything he can to see if he can block that shot.

"So he's sliding. Unfortunately, Isak's planted his foot straight there and that makes it look worse than it is. I think that would be a natural reaction for any defender."

He added: "I'll put it this way. If my defenders don't do that, then I don't think they are true defenders. As for a reckless challenge. normally you haven't seen any from Micky. He's a very fair and competitive player. The two players have sorted it out. So that's a good sign."

Frank and Tottenham have faced one departure this week in his assistant coach Matt Wells and potentially another in joint sporting director Fabio Paratici.

The latter only returned to the north London club on a full-time basis in October to work alongside Johan Lange in a dual role but is now being courted by Fiorentina for a Head of Football position at the struggling Serie A club.

Tottenham are yet to receive an official approach from the Italian side and Frank dismissed the speculation as "probably something for someone higher up in the club" to speak about.

Wells, who came through the academy at Spurs as a player and then coached within it, has departed for his first managerial role at MLS side Colorado Rapids and Frank has high hopes for the 37-year-old grandson of Tottenham double-winning legend Cliff Jones.

"I'm very happy for Matt. It's a great opportunity for him. He's a very talented coach and he's got potential to become a good head coach," said the Spurs boss. "It's different when you stand out there on your own, but I think he's got all the abilities to be able to do well. I wish him all the best and I really want him to do well.

"We will definitely look into replacing him. When and how that will look is not clear yet. When someone leaves others need to step up and take more responsibility. Back in the day it was only one assistant you had so I’m pretty sure we will survive."

Here's every single word the Tottenham boss said at his festive press conference ahead of the Premier League match at Crystal Palace

Thomas Frank has plenty to say at press conference on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Tottenham's Premier League match at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Spurs boss had lots of talking points to be quizzed about from the chaotic 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, losing Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero to red cards, while Liverpool boss Arne Slot was also unhappy with Micky van de Ven's attempted block for Alexander Isak's goal, which left the Swede with an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture.

There is also the news that Fiorentina are attempting to take sporting director Fabio Paratici back to Italy while Frank's assistant coach Matt Wells has departed to MLS side Colorado Rapids.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those putting the questions to Frank. Here's the full transcript from the press conference at Hotspur Way.

What's the latest team news?

Yeah, team news, same as before the Liverpool game, so everyone who was available there is available for the Crystal Palace game, yeah five days away.

Dominic Solanke and Dominic Kulusevski, how close are they to returning?

The same as I said before, both of them. I will be very happy when I can announce now they are part of the squad. So that's, yeah, that's where it is.

Do they feel close?

Yes or no. I'm just, you know, we speak about it all the time. I know it's been a while since you've been here, so I'm just, I think it's much better to speak about when they're available.

You're going to be without Xavi, were you considering, as a club, appealing the red card at all?

Yeah, I would like to do it, but I know it doesn't make sense because of the way the rules are. You know, we can appeal, but we'll get nothing out of it, as I've been told. So that is where it is.

Arne Slot made some comments about Micky van de Ven's challenge on Alexander Isak, he felt the challenge from Micky was reckless? Looking back at it, do you think that's something you agree with or do you disagree with him?

Nah, I'm obviously disagreeing in many ways. I think we are talking about a defender in Micky van de Ven that will do everything he can to avoid the goal. So it's a transition. He's sprinting back in. There's a ball down the side and he does everything he can to see if he can block that shot. So he's sliding.

Unfortunately, Isak plants his foot straight there and that makes it look worse than it is. I think that would be a natural reaction for any defender. I'll put it this way, if my defenders don't do that, then I don't think they are true defenders. So I don't see that at all, and I think reckless challenges, normally you haven't seen any from Micky.

He's a very fair and competitive player. So that's one thing. The other thing, you also know that the two players have sorted it out. So that's a good sign of how they sorted it out. A good sign.

You're going to be without Cristian Romero as well for the game against Crystal Palace, have you had a conversation with him specifically about his role as a captain, as a leader of the group, to lead by example in those situations?

Many times and after this game, and not because it's Cuti, I speak to the players in general, as I said. I know we can put that label on when it's a captain. For me, all the players need to have a cool head and lead by example. You cannot have only one leader on the pitch. I know he's the one with the armband.

So that's one thing. We're talking about a player, a very passionate player, that when he is at his absolute top, he carries the team on his back, like he did in the Europa League final. Without him, we wouldn't have won the trophy, like he did away to Newcastle, like he's done many times.

When you're very passionate, sometimes you can maybe, in a few moments, lack the extra coolness. Sometimes, maybe. Something he's working on.

I think you have a player where the second goal for me still is a clear, clear, clear foul. And, OK, I haven't played on the highest level. Everyone who played on the highest level, if they know there's a foul, they know it's a foul. And they're very, very reactive. It's a clear foul. So he felt hard done by.

So the mistake he did there was he was running, unfortunately, touching John Brooks. That means he, when he touched the ref, you know, unfortunately, you need to have a yellow. But let's say it was a foul given Don't give the first yellow. You don't get the second yellow. The second yellow is a mistake, obviously, from Cuti, which he's agreeing on.

But before that, he was the one that competed, like, very passionate for the first corner. Competed on that duel. And the second duel, when we scored to make it 2-1.

So you need to accept if you have passionate players that, you know, it's part of it.

How do you manage this eight day gap with the chance to work on things balanced with players getting family time at Christmas?

I think it's the first full week we had since August. So it's pretty welcome that we have that. And this week we actually handle in the same way I would have done with any other week. If it was not Christmas, it was still done the same.

So we have two days leading to the game, day off, two days. So today and tomorrow and then off on 25th and then two days. Then it's perfectly fit the Christmas family schedule, which is very good. And I'm a big believer of being a top professional. And that's something I believe the players are and should be. Some need to be guided more than others.

But also they are grown up individuals that if I need to hold their hand the whole time, we have a bigger problem in my opinion. Then the way to make sure anyone does need to have their hand held, that can be, of course, that can be part of the journey. But this I will do any other day.

But I also believe in clear communication. So I believe in when I said why we train tactical today after two days off to get the body going, why we trained set pieces extra today. I expect them to be absolutely bang on it tomorrow we have a sharper, intense training.

So everyone after training can get out of here because they want to spend time with the family because I think that's hugely important, 25th off and then we meet a little bit later on the 26th. But that also, that they need, of course, to pay back being professional.

So spending time with the family is, of course, fantastic. So the only thing I do a little bit different is probably meeting a bit later on 26th. The rest is the same.

How confident are you that the current squad, you've got enough depth in the squad to overcome this period with positive results?

I'm confident we can get good results. Of course, you always want a fully fit squad. But right now, we have the players we have available and we need to deal with it and find a way and get good performances out there and results.

On Crystal Palace, they suffered a big defeat recently against Leeds, but in general, how impressive has it been with Oliver Glasner's work at Palace, winning the FA Cup and taking them to the Europa League?

I think Oliver has done a top job at Palace in many ways. Really, really impressive. Clear identity of the team. Defend low. Very compact, very difficult breakdown. Incredibly good on the counters. Probably one of the best in the league. Added, I think it was last season as well, end of last season, definitely this season as well.

So very good on set pieces as well. One of the best on corners. Added long throws also last season. So very strong on set pieces as well. And also, when they build, have a clear identity with their 3-4-3 position. So they've done a really good, impressive job.

Can I ask you about the system they play? At Palace, it feels like a very similar system that Amorim is playing at United, what's the biggest challenge of facing them and trying to find a solution?

I think there's a lot of similarities in the way the two are approaching it, if I'm honest. That's a little bit different. I think one is more solo, the other one is a little bit more man-orientated defensively. But on the ball, a lot of them are a lot of the same patterns. But you can't compare Man United and Crystal Palace. It's two different beasts.

From the outside it looks like your team is a very angry team, a team that needs to learn how to keep its emotions in check. We've seen a few times this season examples of that, when the players came off the pitch and didn't shake your hand, again, we saw on Saturday when your captain touched the referee. Is that a fair comment?

I understand why you asked the question, because that was definitely the topic after the game, which is probably fair. I think it's two different situations. If you're talking about a player that's a little bit disappointed because he was subbed off or disappointed with his own performance or whatever it is. I think that's two different things.

I think it was more fair what happened two to three times this season than what happened in the game. I think it happens sometimes. If you don't play with your emotions, don't play with passion, you don't play to win, then of course you also need to have a cool head. Of course, that's part of it. So the answer is no.

I probably think you have very different players at Brentford to the players you had out at Spurs, but I don't recall you having to speak about this after games?

No, I think you're right. But again, I can't remember. Even now, we've played a lot of games this season, so I can't remember another game like this. I think this was hopefully an odd one out, I must admit.

You probably didn't expect to be 14th at Christmas, with a bad home record to put it politely, is this the hardest job you've ever had?

I think I see a lot of similarities to my first head coach job. Of course, completely different scale. This is, of course, a massive club. One of the biggest clubs in the world and so much focus on it, so that makes it of course bigger and a different challenges, but I see a lot of similarities when I had my first head coach job in Brondby and here where you try to build something over time. You inherit something that you need to try to get right with a lot of good people around me and then where this makes it extra challenging is, of course, that we play Champions League and Premier League at the same time.

And we try to improve while we are driving 100 miles an hour, but that's part of it. That's a good challenge. I think I see a lot of good things we improve, but we, of course, it's all about how can we have even more consistency in performances. It's all about that. How can you create consistency in performances day in, day out? That's the thing we're working on every single day.

You spoke about working hard with the team to respond better to setbacks, how do you do that? Through yourself of sports psychologists?

That's with me and the coaches and, of course... How can I say? With the experience we had, I worked with a lot of performance psychologists in my career and some of their tools we tried to use, of course. So reinforce good messages, good habits, and that's how can you install that in training? We haven't been able to train that much. How can you keep talking about it before games, during games, after games, before games? So I think that's a big part of it.

So, for example, even though it looked bad, the Nottingham game in many, many, many ways, there were still some small good steps in a direction that don't need underlying indicators we need to look into.

And I think overall, the team did well against Liverpool, as I said, after the game as well. That hasn't changed, especially after I watched the game back. I think after I watched the game back, I'm super happy with the first 30 minutes. That had some really good promise.

Are you going to be able to switch off on Christmas Day and put the phone away?

Yes, that day I will try to get ahead of the curve and plan everything these two days. And then we have a good long day on the 26th. That would be the main bit, so... Yeah, that would be the main bit. It would be good to relax a bit.

Matty Wells has left for his first managerial role. How sad are you to see him go? Also, what kind of manager do you think he will be? He's had a lot of influences in his career already.

Very happy for Matt, it’s a great opportunity for him. He is a very talented coach and I think he has got a good potential to become a good coach. It’s different when you stand out there on your own but I think he has got all the abilities to be able to do well. I wish him all the best and I really want him to do well.

Will you replace him?

We will definitely look into replacing him. When, how and how that will look is not clear yet.

Just going back to Micky van de Ven and Isak, you said they've spoken. Was that after the game on Saturday or did Micky call him this week when he found out the severity of the injury?

I just know they have spoken. That's the main bit.

And they're all good?

Yeah.

Fabio Paratici has been linked with a move away, what's your latest understanding of what could happen potentially?

I think, first and foremost, it's not the first rumour I need to speak about. If it's a staff director or player, in general I'm not speaking about that. I just try to focus on the Crystal Palace game and probably also something for someone higher up in the club.

I think you did a double over Palace last season at Brentford, can you just take anything from that?

I think it's two different teams. Sometimes teams suit each other in different ways. It's good or bad. I know we face a team that is very well organised. I know they're very good on the counters. I know they have such a threat going forward, I would say. So it's a game where you need to be super concentrated throughout it so you don't give too many unnecessary transitions away, for example, or open space to defend.

What's the impact of losing Matt Wells?

When someone leaves others need to step up and take more responsibility. That will be down to Cameron, Justin and Andreas to take a step forward. Of course Justin already took a big responsibility, Andreas as well. When someone is leaving there will just be a little bit more for them to fill in but I’m confident they are capable of doing that. Back in the day it was only one assistant you had so I’m pretty sure we will survive.

On Micky again you said yourself he's a very fair player, are you worried about Slot's comments and how big they've obviously become could change the perception of referees maybe around Micky and thinking he's not a fair player as maybe he was before?

I hope not. I don't really understand the comment, but that's not for me to be too clever about. I just think if you look at that, there's not too much in it, and it's the first time, as you said, so I don't think it'll be a problem.

And just finally, in terms of Fabio, have you spoken to him since Saturday?

We spoke after the game. We spoke both to Fabio and Johan. But these days, it's Christmas, so I think everyone, when you have the privilege to be able to work from home, in this case, Johan and Fabio, I think it's fair they do that.

Tottenham assistant coach Matt Wells has left the club to take up his first senior management role in the MLS with Colorado Rapids

Tottenham have confirmed the departure of assistant coach Matt Wells, who has left Spurs to take up the head coach role at Colorado Rapids.

Wells joined Tottenham's academy ranks at the age of nine but never made a professional appearance for the club due to injuries.

He has, however, made a notable impact in north London as a coach having worked under both Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank, respectively.

The 37-year-old bossed Spurs' U18 side during the 2018-19 season after previously assisting former Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker and the late Ugo Ehiogu.

After initially leaving Spurs in March 2019, when he teamed up with Parker at both Bournemouth and Club Brugge, he returned to N17 in April 2023 as acting assistant head coach.

He stayed on board following the appointment of Postecoglou and then Frank, becoming the Dane assistant in July.

Speculation that Wells would be heading for the MLS has been rife over the past week but it has taken a while for the move to formalise.

He leaves with Tottenham's best wishes as he now prepares to embark on his first senior management role.

Colorado Rapids are owned by the Kroenke family and former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere previously held talks about taking the job back in October 2023.

Frank said, reflecting on Wells' exit: “I’m very happy for Matt. It’s a great opportunity for him.

“I think he’s a very talented coach and I think he’s got a good potential to be a good head coach. It’s different when you stand out there on your own. But I think he has all the abilities to do well.

“We will definitely look into replace him. When and how and how that will look is not clear yet.

"When someone leaves, others need to step up and take on more responsibilities. That will be up to Cameron, Justin and Andreas. Justin and Andreas have been doing that already. There will be a little more to fill in but I'm sure they are capable of that. Back in the day you'd only have one assistant, so I think we'll survive."

Thomas Frank is holding his festive press conference on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Tottenham's Premier League match at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Spurs boss will have plenty of talking points still from the chaotic 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, losing Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero to red cards which will see the former banned for three matches and the captain for one, with both missing out on the trip to Selhurst Park.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot was also unhappy with Micky van de Ven's attempted block for Alexander Isak's goal, which left the Swede with an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture.

There is also plenty going on behind the scenes around Tottenham with Fiorentina attempting to take sporting director Fabio Paratici back to Italy, Frank's assistant coach Matt Wells set to depart to MLS side Colorado Rapids and the small matter of the transfer window opening next week.

There is uncertainty over the future of Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici, who has reportedly been offered a five-year contract by Italian side Fiorentina

Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici's potential departure for Fiorentina is an unwelcome distraction Spurs and Thomas Frank did not need this Christmas.

At this moment in time, the official line from the Europa League winners is that they're still yet to receive a formal approach from the Italian outfit for Paratici's services.

Until that changes, a deal cannot be struck between the parties and Tottenham would likely seek a compensation package.

But the fact Paratici is engaging in private discussions with Fiorentina shows that at the very least, he's tempted by the opportunity.

Given he only returned to Spurs in an official working capacity - it was the worst-kept secret in football that he was still assisting the club on a consultancy basis - in October, to some, it may feel like he's jumping ship at the first given opportunity.

To an extent, the north London club put their reputation on the line when they brought Paratici back to the club following the conclusion of his 30-month FIFA ban. The sporting chief was hit with the punishment by the governing body for his part in a financial scandal during his time at Juventus.

I was in Frank's pre-Aston Villa press conference after the announcement and the Dane, who was navigating teething problems of his own on the field, was forced to respond to awkward questions about whether the return of the former Juventus chief was ethical given he'd been handed an 18-month suspended jail sentence following a plea bargain deal with Italian prosecutors.

It shows how popular Paratici is within Tottenham circles that Spurs did not hesitate to bring him back on board. He's renowned for his relentless work-ethic, his extensive web of contacts across Europe and additionally, his meticulous eye for talent.

Yes there have been transfer misses but Paratici does deserve great credit for his influential role in deals for Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur, among others.

Supporters are also fond of him because frequently at matches, he's spotted speaking on the phone in the director's box with his headphones dangling down by his side. Images of this often surface and are shared online on social media platforms, offering fans hope he's working around the clock on new signings for the club.

It's hard to shake the feeling that Frank's new-look project currently lacks stability. Results have been underwhelming and that's ultimately a by-product of the seismic changes that have happened upstairs at Tottenham since that historic night in Bilbao.

Donna-Maria Cullen, executive director and Daniel Levy's long-standing advisor left the club in the summer. Then following the arrival of new CEO Vinai Venkatesham, Levy followed in early September.

Spurs have put huge faith in Johan Lange and Paratici, who share a notable workload and are responsible for providing support for Frank and the first-team.

Lange's responsibilities include managing scouting networks, performance, football insights, performance analysis and the academy. Paratici takes care of players, manages relationships with their representatives, transfers and loans, including managing pathways of the club's younger stars.

They work collaboratively on squad planning, therefore it's far from ideal that Paratici - an instrumental figure - is seemingly toying with the prospect of an exit so close to the January transfer window.

Frank has already said the club will "100 per cent" be active in the market this winter but if Paratici were to leave, it would surely hinder plans to strengthen the squad next month.

Around 45 minutes after every home match, Paratici heads down the lift and walks through the mixed-zone into the home dressing room.

He's a warm and friendly character and will always say hello to journalists. On Saturday, one of my colleagues asked him as he breezed past: "Fabio, will you be staying or are you going to Fiorentina?"

His response was non-committal as he headed through the dressing-room door - and it conveyed there was some uncertainty.

Of course, even if he wants to go, he wouldn't have told us there and then but if it was a non-story, perhaps he would have made it known.

Italian reports suggest a five-year contract is on the table in Florence. La Viola are rooted to the foot of the Serie A table and star striker Moise Kean is also being tipped for a transfer this January.

Effectively, there's a sense Fiorentina's winter window will define their fate. From the outside looking in, they appear to be too big of a club to be relegated but their form is wretched - although they did thrash Udinese at the weekend - and their squad is uninspiring.

They're hedging their bets on Paratici to save their season and optically, it doesn't reflect well upon Tottenham that he'd consider such a risky move mid-season - just two months after being handed the sporting director role - when Spurs need him most. They still have so much to play for.

Tottenham managing director Fabio Paratici is facing a would-be exit from the club - for a second time - as links to Serie A side Fiorentina have emerged ahead of the January transfer window.

Tottenham are facing the possibility of losing Fabio Paratici for the second time - as the club's managing director has been linked with an exit. It comes just ahead of the January transfer window, where Spurs could be busy in an attempt to help Thomas Frank succeed in the coming months.

Paratici is just a few months into his second spell in north London - after previously working under Daniel Levy as the sporting director. In that time, he signed many notable players, including the likes of Destiny Udogie and Dejan Kulusevski, which made him a favourite among the club's supporters.

However, with a ban from football activities following, there was subsequently some time away for the Italian, with plenty changing behind the scenes. With Johan Lange put in charge of their sporting department, Paratici's return meant a switch to how the hierarchy works.

Even though that switch came only a few months ago, it seems as though another exit for themanaging director could be on the way, if recent reports are to play out.

So, with that said, here's a look at everything you need to know about Paratici and his time at Tottenham;

Fiorentina 'agree Fabio Paratici deal'

According to Corriere della Sera, Fabio Paratici has 'reached an agreement' with Serie A side Fiorentina over a five-year deal that would end his spell with Tottenham. The report claims that the director is now working to terminate his contract with Spurs, ahead of a return to Italy.

It's stated that Paratici has already landed in Italy, while Fiorentina will be given a budget to make several signings in the market. The famous Italian side sit bottom of the table, and are in desperate need of a turnaround to avoid a shock relegation.

How long has Fabio Paratici been at Tottenham?

Paratici has been at Tottenham for two separate spells now, with the first one starting in June 2021, when he was announced as the managing director. He spent just under two years at the club, before he then resigned owing to the ongoing situation surrounding a worldwide ban imposed by FIFA.

The Italian returned in October 2025 - following the lifting of his ban - but if he were to leave this December, then that second spell would've only lasted just over two months.

Who has Fabio Paratici signed at Tottenham?

Over his time so far, Paratici has only made 16 signings at Tottenham, all of which varied in success rates, from some struggling to others becoming key parts of the team.

Those players are:

Cristian Romero

Pedro Porro

Pape Matar Sarr

Dejan Kulusevski

Djed Spence

Destiny Udogie

Richarlison

Rodrigo Bentancur

Yves Bissouma

Ivan Perisic

Fraser Forster

Emerson Royal

Clement Lenglet

Arnaut Danjuma

Pierluigi Gollini

Bryan Gil

Fabio Paratici ban

Paratici was banned from football in 2023 for 30 months - following the Plusvalenza investigation - which looked into the overvaluation of players from his time at Juventus. While he appealed the decision, the ban was imposed worldwide by FIFA, which led to his Spurs resignation in 2023.

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven's challenge on Liverpool's Alexander Isak left the striker with a suspected broken leg

Tottenham have received a fresh referee verdict on the tackle from Micky van de Ven on Alexander Isak, which led to a suspected leg fracture for the forward.

Thomas Frank's team fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat in north London on Saturday evening, with Isak netting the first goal after half-time. However, following his successful strike, a slide tackle from Van de Ven caught Isak's leg as he planted it, forcing him out of the game.

The immediate reaction of concern from his fellow players painted a grim picture. A stretcher was summoned, but Isak managed to hobble off the pitch with assistance from Liverpool's medical team.

Reports on Sunday hinted at a possible lower leg fracture for Isak, though the severity of the injury and the length of recovery time remain uncertain, pending further updates from the Merseyside club following scans.

The incident has sparked a debate, with pundits on Sky Sports' Ref Watch having differing views on whether it was a red-card offence. Ex-pro Jay Bothroyd argued that while Van de Ven's intention might not have been to injure Isak, the reckless nature of the tackle warranted a sending off.

"Van de Ven has not intentionally tried to hurt Isak," he explained. "Obviously, he is desperate to stop a goal and he's coming across to stop the shot.

"This is an example where, yes, Isak has scored, but it should still be a red card. He's lunging, he's going into him. Every explanation you want to give for a red-card challenge is there. Because he's scored, they've let it go.

"He's lunged, he's out of control. He's trying to make a block but he's never going to get there. If that's in the middle of the park, that's a red card."

However, former referee Dermot Gallagher disagreed, maintaining that the challenge was not a red-card offence and that the outcome of the tackle should not overshadow its nature.

"I can't see that he's done anything that a footballer wouldn't," he explained. "I would be astonished if that was given as a red card anywhere on the field.

"Players mistime challenges all the time. He's slightly late... it's not a red card. Whether it be in the penalty area, in the D, the centre circle or the other half."

Where the two pundits found common ground, though, was in backing the official's decision to send off Spurs star Xavi Simons for his tackle on Virgil van Dijk during the opening period. The Netherlands international launched into a dangerous challenge on his compatriot and skipper, making contact with the centre-back's calf using his studs.

"I want to make clear that I don't think Simons has any intention to do this, but he has done it," Gallagher added on the Simons incident. "Once you see the replay, you can't unsee it.

"When VAR sees that, in modern football, it is always going to be a red card. He's unlucky, but he is always going to see red. You can't make challenges like that anymore."

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero faces a one-game suspension following his red card against Liverpool on Saturday

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes Cristian Romero 's red card in Tottenham 's defeat against Liverpool on Saturday evening was soft. He also accused Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate of 'playing' on the incident to get the Argentine into trouble.

Thomas Frank's men suffered a third defeat in six games across all competitions against the reigning Premier League champions over the weekend. The hosts endured an early blow in north London as Xavi Simons was shown a red card for a tackle on Virgil van Dijk.

Alexander Isak then opened the scoring almost immediately after coming off the bench in the second half, before he was subsequently substituted after sustaining an injury following a challenge from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven. Hugo Ekitike later doubled Liverpool's advantage.

Spurs were given a glimmer of hope of snatching something late in the game as Richarlison came off the bench to capitalise on some poor Liverpool defending and pull a goal back. Despite late pressure from Frank’s men, they suffered another setback in stoppage time as Romero was shown a red card for appearing to kick out at Ibrahima Konate.

Even with nine men, Spurs pushed for that all-important equaliser but ultimately fell just short. The result leaves them 13th in the league standings and seven points outside the top four with 17 games played.

There was plenty of discussion post-match over the refereeing decisions, notably the red cards that were given, as well as those that were not. While Van de Ven avoided punishment for his challenge on Isak, both Simons and Romero were less fortunate, with many questioning whether the decisions were correct.

Rooney, speaking on his podcast with BBC Sounds, delivered his verdict on the Romero incident in added time. While the former United and Everton star believes Spurs were playing on the edge with some of their challenges, he felt Konate played on the incident to get his opponent sent off.

"I think sometimes it’s better, and in the big games as well, playing on that edge and having that, you know, little bit of hunger in a weird way," he explained. "It’s quite difficult to explain, but playing on that edge in the big games is better.

"But then you’re at risk of overflowing a little bit and I think with the two red cards, the second red card, the Romero one, I think is soft. I think Konate’s played on it a little bit.

"I think playing on that edge you’re at danger of getting a red card or something silly happening, but the outcomes can be much better when you’re playing that edge. I think that’s what people want to see as well."

Simons will now miss Spurs’ next three games due to his sending off being for serious foul play. He will not be involved against Crystal Palace after Christmas, nor in the games against Brentford and Sunderland.

Romero, meanwhile, was shown a red card for two bookable offences. That means he will serve a one-game suspension and will only be ruled out for the trip to Crystal Palace this weekend.

Gary Lineker was not happy with the decision to send off Xavi Simons during Tottenham's 2-1 loss to Liverpool on Saturday, with the former England striker defending the Spurs midfielder

Gary Lineker believes Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons was harshly dismissed during Spurs' 2-1 defeat against Liverpool on Saturday. The Netherlands international was sent off in the 33rd minute after a contentious challenge on Virgil van Dijk.

Van Dijk had played the ball back to Alisson Becker when Simons made contact with the Liverpool captain's Achilles. Referee John Brooks initially brandished a yellow card, but was subsequently instructed by VAR to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor.

Brooks decided to upgrade his decision to a red card, dismissing Simons and leaving Spurs with 10 men. Tottenham boss Thomas Frank was incensed by the ruling in his post-match media duties, declaring the "game is gone", whilst Arne Slot felt Simons hadn't deliberately attempted to harm Van Dijk.

The former Everton and Tottenham striker Lineker has now weighed in with his thoughts on the dismissal. "I'm going to have a little but of a rant myself here. I know in slow motion you can pick it apart, his [Xavi Simons] studs may have caught the back of his [Virgil van Dijk] calf, but the fella is just trying to put his foot on the ground," he said on the Rest Is Football.

"I mean there's absolutely zero intent. I mean yes, Virg might have got hurt, that happens in football, it happens all the time, doesn't mean to say it's a vicious foul. I just can't stand red cards for things like that, it was nothing. It's another one of those that looks in slow motion, you go 'ooh, blimey, he's raked down the back of his calf'.

"In normal speed it wasn't that, it's not like that at all. It's not like that at all. And I know they all thought it was a red card and you two may think it's a red card, and I understand now that when they look at things, they might go and break it down so slowly, but when you see it in normal speed, it's just his foot landing, he flicks him.

"It's nothing, it's absolutely nothing."

Alan Shearer added: "It's totally accidental, totally accidental, yeah."

Lineker continued: "Yellow card would've sufficed."

Simons, meanwhile, apologised after the game. He said on social media: "Mistakes happen. Virg is my captain, I would never intentionally hurt him or anyone.

"To my Spurs teammates, my manager and the fans, I take responsibility. I'm really sorry."

Van Dijk then chipped in with his verdict and said: "I don't think there was any intention to hurt me but obviously he hurt me and then the referee and the VAR made the decision to send him off.

"I spoke to him. It's a chat that no-one needs to know."

Tottenham loanee Luka Vuskovic jumped to the aid of Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back Rasmus Kristensen during Saturday's 1-1 Bundesliga draw following a nasty collision with one of his team-mates

Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic has received glowing praise from Hamburger SV's club doctor after he stepped in to prevent Eintracht Frankfurt's Rasmus Kristensen from swallowing his tongue.

The Dane, formerly of Leeds, was left dazed following a nasty clash with HSV's Miro Muheim. However, quick-thinking Vuskovic, who is still only 18 years old, was swift to react and immediately stepped in to assist Kristensen.

His actions have since been described by the Bundesliga on their website as 'potentially life-saving' and unsurprisingly, the young Croatian has been the subject of huge respect in Germany over the past couple of days.

HSV's team doctor Wolfgang Schillings has now revealed how decisive Vuskovic's actions were, explaining to local newspaper Hamburger Abendblatt: "In this case, Luka reacted immediately and took care of the injured player right away. That's exemplary and takes precedence over everything else.

“If a player briefly loses consciousness, the tongue can obstruct the upper airway. Then the player can't breathe. In this case, you have to act very quickly.

"Ideally, you tilt the head back. So, one hand on the forehead, one hand on the chin, and then carefully tilt the head back so that the tongue practically clears the airway on its own and the patient can breathe again.”

While Vuskovic showcased bravery to intervene, Schillings also added that a lot can actually go wrong with the manoeuvre, though HSV's players had been exposed to first-aid training at the beginning of the season.

He continued: "If a layperson reaches into the mouth to pull out the tongue with their fingers, the patient's biting reflex could be activated, and they could unconsciously bite their rescuer.

"The biting muscle is very strong. At the start of the season, we raise our players' awareness of first aid and give them some basic rules to follow."

Eintracht Frankfurt boss Dino Toppmoller also praised Vuskovic for his actions, stating: "A huge compliment for recognising it immediately and reacting so well."

Frankfurt have since confirmed that Kristensen is doing fine and recovering well after he was substituted off the field in the 71st minute.

Vuskovic has enjoyed a stellar loan stint with HSV since departing Tottenham in August to pursue regular playing time in the Bundesliga, where he has already scored two goals.

There is speculation in Germany that Hamburger SV would like to keep the centre-back, though there is recognition a deal would prove virtually impossible because Spurs have big plans for Vuskovic.

Another loan spell could be a viable option, providing Tottenham are willing to sanction another loan.