Thomas Frank reveals behind-the-scenes talks with Cristian Romero after Tottenham incident
Cristian Romero has been spoken to by manager Thomas Frank after being sent off during Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.
Romero was shown a second yellow card in the closing stages of the game against Arne Slot’s side, following a scuffle with Reds defender Ibrahima Konate.
Tottenham were chasing a winner in stoppage time, but the Argentine’s dismissal saw them reduced to nine men, after Xavi Simon’s red card earlier in the contest.
Frank has now revealed his own feelings about Romero’s actions, as well as what has been said behind the scenes.
Thomas Frank defends Cristian Romero after red card
Romero was criticised for the manner of his sending off against Liverpool, with Gary Neville labelling the defender a “walking time bomb” around the pitch.
The centre back has a reputation for being a loose cannon, and proved once again last Saturday that he can lose his cool at times.
Even before his red card, Romero was having a bad game for Spurs, giving the ball away as Alexander Isak opened the scoring and being outjumped by Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool’s second.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of Tottenham’s upcoming game against Crystal Palace, Frank revealed that he had spoken to Romero about the incident.
He said: “[I have spoken to Romero] many times. Of course, after this game, and not because it’s Cuti, I speak to all the players in general.
“We are talking about a passionate player. At the top, he carries the team on his back, like the Europa League final, like Newcastle away. When you are very passionate, you sometimes have a few moments. It is something he is working on.
“Obviously, the second yellow was a mistake. He was passionate in the first duel and too much in the second. But when you have a passionate player, you have to accept that.”
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Cristian Romero is one of Tottenham’s most important players
Despite a number of red cards during his career in North London, Romero has developed into one of Tottenham’s most important players.
This season, the 27-year-old has been among the best defenders in the Premier League, sitting in the top four per cent of centre-backs for tackles per 90 (2.5) according to FBRef.
Romero is also in the top eight per cent of Premier League centre-backs for blocks per 90 (1.67).
| Stats (Premier League 25-26) | Cristian Romero |
| Games | 14 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Tackles (Per 90) | 2.5 |
| Blocks (Per 90) | 1.67 |
At the other end of the pitch, the Spurs man has chipped in with some vital goal contributions for Frank’s side, grabbing a brace in the draw with Newcastle United and an assist in the win over West Ham.
As a result of being sent off for two yellow cards, Romero will miss Tottenham’s trip to Crystal Palace through suspension.
However, the Argentine will return as Spurs travel to Brentford on New Year’s Day, and will be expected to slot straight back into the starting lineup.
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