Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky claims Atletico errors made him stronger
Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky insists his disastrous Champions League debut against Atletico Madrid has made him stronger as the club battles to avoid Premier League relegation.
The Czech shot-stopper endured a nightmare evening at the Estadio Metropolitano earlier this season under former manager Igor Tudor.
He was surprisingly selected ahead of first-choice Guglielmo Vicario but was hauled off after just 16 minutes having been at fault for two early goals.
Bouncing back from European nightmare
Despite the harrowing experience in the Spanish capital, the January arrival from Slavia Prague remains philosophical about the ordeal.
“It was a moment, my debut in the Champions League, that I was dreaming of as a young boy,” Kinsky told Sky Sports.
The highly-rated prospect credited his immediate support network for providing honest and constructive feedback during a difficult psychological period.
“I would say I’m stronger by that one experience. You make it because you are strong already and it makes you just stronger and it helps you just to grow.”
Crucial role in top-flight survival bid
With Vicario currently nursing an injury, the former Prague man has been thrust back into the spotlight as Roberto De Zerbi’s undisputed number one.
He recently proved his immense worth by producing a phenomenal stoppage-time save against Wolves at Molineux to secure the new Italian boss his first victory.
That narrow win provided a vital lifeline for the north London outfit in their desperate fight to stay in England’s premier competition.
Relegation pressure intensifies
However, the situation remains perilous for De Zerbi’s struggling side with only four league fixtures remaining to secure their top-tier status.
They currently sit firmly in the relegation zone, two points adrift of London rivals West Ham following the Hammers’ late victory over Everton.
The pressure will inevitably mount further when they host top-four-chasing Aston Villa this coming Sunday.
“It’s very precious. If we didn’t bring three points from there, of course, it would be much more difficult now,” the resilient goalkeeper noted when reflecting on his crucial intervention against Wolves.