De Gea sends Spurs’ keeper Kinski message after disaster in Madrid: “No one can understand”

David de Gea did not hesitate to send his support to Antonín Kinský, the Tottenham goalkeeper who was substituted after just 18 minutes of the game played at the Metropolitano following two serious errors in the three goals he had conceded up to that point.

The now Fiorentina goalkeeper understood better than most what the 22-year-old was going through after being singled out for the mistakes.

De Gea posted the following message: “No one who hasn’t been a goalkeeper can understand how difficult it is to play in this position. Keep your head up and you will go again,” he wrote on his X account.

The goalkeeper who came through Atlético Madrid’s academy likely enjoyed the victory by his former team but still felt a connection with Kinský. He has endured similar moments himself after costly errors that were harshly criticized both in England during his time at Manchester United and in Spain.

Joe Hart, the former Manchester City and England goalkeeper, also spoke out while working as an analyst on TNT Sports. “I’m absolutely heartbroken for him. He had 14 horrible minutes – that slip and the third goal. I don’t know what to say. I’m devastated for him,” he said.

Igor Tudor explains the decision

Tottenham manager Igor Tudor also addressed the delicate situation. “I’ve been coaching for 15 years and I’ve never done this before, but it was necessary to protect the kid and the team. I chose him before the game and it was the right decision. He’s a good goalkeeper. For me it was the best decision – now it’s easy to say it wasn’t. I’ve spoken with him, he’s a great kid, a great goalkeeper. Unfortunately he made these serious mistakes in a big game.”

De Gea has learned how to overcome criticism throughout his career and has become one of Fiorentina’s most important players since arriving in Florence. He has been decisive with key saves during the team’s best moments and again this season as the club battles to avoid relegation. Kinský will need to follow a similar path, strengthening the psychological side of his game to move past the most difficult night of his young career.

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