adminAntonín Kinský has revealed the reassuring words he shared with Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders following the young shot-stopper’s painful own goal in Tottenham’s 2–0 victory over Chelsea.
Penders was making his first Premier League start, but what should have been an important opportunity to showcase his abilities turned into a difficult afternoon after a costly mistake left him devastated.
Speaking after the final whistle, Kinský explained why he immediately approached the young goalkeeper, admitting that he understood the emotional pressure that comes with making a mistake in such a demanding position.
“I went straight to him because I genuinely felt sorry for him. I know how difficult that moment must have been. You make your first Premier League start, hoping to show everyone what you can do, and suddenly, one mistake becomes the moment everybody remembers,” Kinský explained.
The Tottenham goalkeeper revealed that he encouraged Penders to remain confident, reminding him that a single unfortunate incident should never determine how he views himself as a footballer.
“I told him to look at me and keep his head up. He is still the same goalkeeper he was before that corner. One moment does not define who you are,” he added.
Kinský also highlighted the unique pressure goalkeepers face compared with outfield players, pointing out how quickly public opinion can turn against a goalkeeper following one costly error.
“People sometimes forget how lonely it can feel to be a goalkeeper. An attacker can miss three chances, and people will still discuss what he might achieve in the next game. But when a goalkeeper makes one mistake, suddenly everyone starts questioning his entire career. That is not fair,” he said.
Penders attempted to punch the ball away during the corner but failed to clear it properly, resulting in the ball ending up in his own net. Although the mistake was painful, Kinský insisted that the Chelsea youngster must not allow the experience to destroy his confidence.
“Of course, he will be disappointed, but he must not allow that moment to take away his belief in himself. Football will give him another opportunity, but he has to be brave enough to take it. The worst thing a young goalkeeper can do is become afraid of making another mistake,” Kinský continued.
The Tottenham shot-stopper also shared another important message he delivered to Penders before they left the pitch, reminding him that football supporters can quickly change their opinions when a player produces a positive performance.
“I told him that the next time he makes a brilliant save, the same people laughing at him today might be the first ones praising him tomorrow.
“That is football. Today, you are making headlines because of a mistake. Tomorrow, you could be the reason your team wins a massive game,” he explained.
Kinský stressed that Penders is still young and has plenty of time to develop, arguing that the Chelsea goalkeeper deserves encouragement rather than criticism that could undermine his confidence.
“He is young, he is learning, and he is playing in one of the most demanding leagues in the world. He deserves support, not people trying to destroy his confidence because of one difficult moment,” Kinský said.
Despite celebrating Tottenham’s 2–0 victory, the Spurs goalkeeper admitted that he could not ignore the emotional impact the incident might have had on his Chelsea counterpart.
“We won 2–0, and naturally, I am happy with the result. But I am also a goalkeeper, and I understand what a moment like that can do to your mind.
“I hope he has people around him reminding him that he is worth much more than one mistake. Keep working, keep believing, and never let one bad afternoon convince you that you do not belong at this level,” Kinský concluded.
Kinský’s reported message highlights the psychological challenges goalkeepers face, particularly when an error occurs on such a significant stage. For Penders, the priority will now be learning from the experience, rebuilding his confidence and proving that one disappointing moment does not have to define his future.
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