Ange Postecoglou says he is not worried about 'bruised egos' after criticizing Timo Werner's performance in Tottenham's draw with Rangers.
Werner was substituted at half-time of the Europa League match against Ibrox, which finished 1–1, and Postecoglou described his performance as “unacceptable” and not “anywhere near the required level”.
When asked on Friday how the 28-year-old had or could respond to the comments, Postecoglou said: “I don't have time for that kind of stuff anymore. We're in a fight here, collectively we're in a I'm not going to worry about people's bruised egos.
“We want to achieve things, we want to be successful. We are in the core of the players. If there is someone in the dressing room who is fit, can contribute and feels like he needs something extra at the moment, then he probably is.” not the right kind.
“There were a few last night who understand the situation we are in. We have fifteen fit players, in some positions we only have two players. I'm not going around trying to get extra out of people.” If they don't give extra now, that gives me an indication of where they stand.”
Postecoglou was then asked if this was linked to the wider issue of Spurs' struggle to win a trophy.
Cristian Romero appeared to criticize the club for a perceived lack of investment following their defeat to Chelsea last weekend, but Postecoglou said: “I'm tired of that. That's an excuse for me. Therefore, even with Cristian Romero's comments, I guess that's just an excuse.
“Right now I am here, I take responsibility, these players, we are here. If we think there is something mythical in this club that prevents success, then change it. Otherwise what's the point? Don't come here. I just don't fall for that.
“Right now we are in a difficult situation because of the position we are in team-wise and you embrace this challenge. If you want excuses, there are a million why we can't be successful. If that's what you want, clutch is, especially in difficult moments, what's the point? Go somewhere else.
When asked if he regretted his comments about Werner, Postecoglou said: “No, it was not criticism, it was assessment. If we played badly, we played badly. With Timo it was not about whether he 'played well or not, we had a very difficult match.
“I'm asking 18-year-olds to do huge jobs and you have older players – he's a senior player, he's international, he's won the Champions League – and there's a level of application and performance you have to achieve to make the team help. He was unable to do so.
“Taking him off at half-time was a statement enough. Just as I don't hide behind team performance, it's no different for players or anyone else.”
“Who's ready for battle?”
Werner struggled for form at Chelsea and RB Leipzig, which led to his move to Tottenham, although it failed to reignite his career.
On why Werner had found it difficult, Postecoglou said: “It can't be down to skill. You don't play for Germany, you don't play for big clubs – whether it's a combination of trust or belief, at the moment we don't .” don't have the luxury of that.
“You're there, you're playing, you're fit, we don't have the luxury. Not just him, any player at the moment. He has the chance to play and it's not like a bad performance than I let you're out the next game. I don't have anyone else to use.
“We have to put all those things aside. Whether you have a lack of confidence, a lack of faith, whatever it is, to say, 'Well, are you in this fight?' Because we are in a fight.
“We have a limited number of players to call on, we have some big games coming up. We can get our season going, I just need people to have that level of dedication and commitment and find their way through it. How much I am too. I am talking about Timo, I am talking about the entire group.
“The norms of football – poor performances, you're left out – don't exist in our environment at the moment. I need players to go out and put that aside.”
Werner only played in three league games this season and was mainly used as a substitute.
“That has been true, but at the same time he still had the ability to influence games – and he did that,” Postecoglou added. 'He resisted that [Manchester] City and in other games.
“In Europe, in midweek matches he is there to start and make an impact. I understand there is a lot of discussion around him, but last night it was not about Timo Werner, but about the situation we are in and what is happening at this moment is necessary.” It could have been someone else. There are other players who could have also given more to what we tried to do last night.
“I felt for him, especially because he hasn't played much. There should have been some freshness around him so he could have really made an impact. I know he is a top player.”
Analysis: Bullish Postecoglou does things his way
Paul Gilmour from Sky Sports News:
The post-match reply to Timo Werner at Ibrox got everyone talking and just over twelve hours later Postecoglou was back at the Spurs training ground to preview the weekend match against Southampton.
It was not the first time that Postecoglou was at the box office. He was optimistic, unphased and remarkably relaxed despite injury problems and recent form. He said he was ready for battle and was even compared to a general by a reporter.
Postecoglou knows what he wants and if he doesn't get it he will be honest, as he demonstrated after the Rangers match. He does things his way and it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.
He rejected the use of the word criticism, preferring to place it under 'feedback'. A manager is there to provide performance feedback and that is considered normal in every industry in the world.
The difference here is of course the public element and we have heard repeatedly in football that this kind of feedback in front of the cameras does not go down well. Listening to Postecoglou, I got the feeling that he is doing his best to be demanding of a thin squad, especially the experienced players, at a crucial time in the season.
On a few occasions he found time to joke, and while talking about Archie Gray's performances, he pointed out the fact that the 18-year-old has a bright future before adding: “The next manager will love him .”
Attention turns back to the pitch and ahead of the Manchester United League Cup clash, all eyes will be on St Mary's as Saints and Spurs go to battle.
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