Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has defended Micky van de Ven following criticism from Liverpool manager Arne Slot over the defender’s challenge on Alexander Isak, which resulted in the striker suffering a broken leg.

Slot had labelled the tackle reckless, claiming it would cause serious injury “10 out of 10 times,” after the incident occurred as Isak scored the opening goal in Liverpool’s 2–1 Premier League victory on Saturday.

Frank, however, rejected that assessment and insisted Van de Ven was simply doing his job as a defender. He also revealed that Van de Ven and Isak have since spoken and resolved the matter privately.

“Obviously, I disagree,” Frank told reporters on Tuesday. “We’re talking about a defender who will do everything to prevent a goal. It was a transition moment, he’s sprinting back, the ball is slipped into the channel and he does everything he can to block it.

“Unfortunately, Isak plants his foot right there, which makes it look worse than it is. Put it this way: if my defender doesn’t do that, I don’t think he’s a true defender. I don’t see it as reckless at all, and Micky has never been a player who makes reckless challenges.

“I also know the two players have sorted it out between themselves, which is a good sign.”

The defeat left Tottenham 14th in the Premier League table, with just one win from their last eight league matches ahead of Sunday’s trip to eighth-placed Crystal Palace, who sit four points above Spurs.

Frank also praised Palace boss Oliver Glasner for the progress his side have made, following their FA Cup triumph earlier this year and a 12th-place league finish last season.

“I think Oliver has done a top job at Palace,” Frank added. “They have a very clear identity—defending deep, staying compact, and being difficult to break down, while also being very strong on the counter-attack. They’re one of the best teams from corners and they’ve also added long throws.”