Tottenham Hotspur's decision to substitute goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was a necessary measure to protect the player, according to coach Igor Tudor. The decision came after Atletico Madrid defeated Spurs 5-2 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Kinsky was replaced in the 17th minute after conceding three goals early in the match. "Before the game it was the right choice to do, considering the moment we are in," Tudor stated, referring to starting the young goalkeeper over regular starter Guglielmo Vicario. "In this moment we are fragile, we are weak."
This was Kinsky's first appearance since October, and only his third of the season. Tudor, who has lost all four games since taking charge in late February, focused on the team's performance rather than his own job security.
Atletico Madrid, currently leading the tie, will travel to London for the second leg next Wednesday.