Antonin Kinsky is set to enter the 2026/27 campaign as Tottenham’s No.1.
Tottenham Hotspur were in full-blown crisis when Roberto De Zerbi walked into the club in March. He had seven games to save the club from relegation, and that too, with several first-team players.
De Zerbi’s entry had coincided with Guglielmo Vicario’s hernia operation, ruling the Tottenham goalkeeper out for weeks. As a result, De Zerbi had no other option but to go with Antonin Kinsky in goal.
The Czech Republic goalkeeper was thrown in against Sunderland, De Zerbi’s very first game in charge of the North Londoners, following a forgettable night against Atletico Madrid in Spain in the Champions League last 16. Nobody would have blamed the 23-year-old for crumbling under that kind of pressure, arriving mid-crisis with a new head coach trying to make an immediate mark. While Spurs lost 1-0 to Sunderland, Antonin Kinsky delivered a strong performance.
This was the start of his turnaround in fortunes, and he never looked back, starting the remaining six games. He played every minute under De Zerbi and produced critical saves against Wolves, Leeds and Everton, performances that were not just competent but actively contributed to keeping the Lilywhites in the top flight.
Antonin Kinsky reflects on key conversation with Roberto De Zerbi
Tottenham have shown total faith in Kinsky after his strong end to the 2025/26 campaign. The young shot-stopper penned his new contract at the end of June to reinforce his status as No.1. The N17 chiefs have recognised his valuable efforts in keeping the club in the top flight and rewarded him with a pay hike.
De Zerbi has made it clear that Kinsky would be his No.1, as Vicario informed Spurs he wanted to leave. Now, the young glovesman has reflected on the conversation he had with De Zerbi that prompted him to sign a new deal.
“It made me happy to hear that. He was clear with me, which made it very easy for me to make the decision to stay,” Kinsky was quoted by Football London.
“What he says to everyone, what he says to me, definitely gives me confidence. If you don’t feel the confidence, you might play a bit safer. If you feel the confidence, you can play to the best of your ability.
“If I know that he supports me and he believes in me, then of course I feel well on the pitch. In certain situations where there is risk, it makes it easier to take a bit more. Go more to the edge. I think this is sometimes where the difference in the games is made. This is definitely, definitely important.”
Big season ahead for Kinsky
Kinsky has done well in the pre-season games thus far, preparing himself for the upcoming gruelling campaign. There is a newfound confidence in his game, which is majorly down to De Zerbi’s man-management skills after arriving at the club at a critical juncture. In fact, the Italian even wanted to make the Czech Republic glovesman his captain in the very first game vs. Sunderland, but later opted against it.
Now, the 47-year-old views Kinsky as the undisputed starting No. 1 heading into the upcoming campaign, primarily due to the keeper’s mentality, excellent comfort and bravery in building attacks from the back. And the decision to secure the Prague-born talent’s future with a new deal shows they rate him as a key component in the club’s long-term plans under De Zerbi.
