Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky has credited new head coach Roberto De Zerbi with helping him recover from a disastrous Champions League performance earlier this season. The Czech international was substituted after just 17 minutes of Spurs' round of 16 first-leg defeat to Atlético Madrid in February, having made two significant errors that contributed to an early deficit.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Kinsky acknowledged the personal difficulty of that moment but highlighted the positive impact of the managerial change from Igor Tudor to De Zerbi. "After the match, I was sad. But on the other hand, I was calm," Kinsky said. "I am lucky to be surrounded by benevolent people who always give me good feedback, who say what they really think and who are honest with me." The 26-year-old has since regained his starting position, delivering a clean and composed performance in his most recent outing.
Kinsky suggested De Zerbi's man-management has been crucial to his and the team's improved morale. "By the way he speaks and by what you read or hear from him, you see that he believes in us," Kinsky explained. "The message he conveys to us is important, namely that the quality is very much present in the team." The goalkeeper's resurgence comes at a vital time for Tottenham, who remain in a precarious position near the Premier League's relegation zone and are seeking stability under their new manager.
The high-profile mistake against Atlético Madrid was a low point in Kinsky's first season in North London, having joined from Slavia Prague last summer for a reported fee of £12 million. His initial adaptation to English football was challenging, but the club's hierarchy has maintained faith in his potential as a long-term number one. De Zerbi's preference for building play from the back aligns with Kinsky's strengths as a ball-playing goalkeeper, offering a clearer tactical fit than under the previous regime.
For Tottenham, securing the confidence and form of their goalkeeper is a fundamental step in their battle to avoid an unthinkable drop to the Championship. The club's investment in Kinsky represents a key part of their project, and his recovery under De Zerbi provides a rare positive narrative in a difficult campaign. His continued development will be essential not only for the remaining fixtures this season but for the club's planning under their new Italian coach.
