Ange Postecoglou said Timo Werner's performance was “not acceptable” during Tottenham's 1-1 draw with Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday.
Werner, making just his eighth start in all competitions for Tottenham this season, was replaced by Dejan Kulusevski at half-time after a dismal first 45 minutes at Ibrox.
Although the German had the most touches in opposition (four) of any Spurs player at full-time, his overall play saw his side struggle in the final third.
Werner lost possession 16 times, with only Pedro Porro (20), playing the full 90 minutes, and more often against Philippe Clement's side.
He also failed to complete any of his three dribbles and did not win any of his five duels, while also managing to complete only 18 of his 26 passes, an accuracy of just 69.2%.
Kulusevski, replacing Werner, then scored Spurs' equalizer, canceling out Hamza Igamane's opener two minutes after half-time.
“When you have 18-year-olds, that is not acceptable to me,” Postecoglou said shortly after the draw at Ibrox. “I said that to Timo, he is a German international.”
We go home with a point. pic.twitter.com/JbjUbCcoBi
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 12, 2024
Werner, who is on loan from RB Leipzig, has struggled with his form this season, scoring just one goal and three assists in 19 games in all competitions.
Postecoglou is also without strikers Richarlison and Wilson Odobert, and he said that despite his performances, his lack of options means he can start against Southampton on Sunday.
“The moment we're in right now, it's not like we have a lot of options. I want everyone to at least go out there and try to give the best of themselves.
“His performance in the first half was not acceptable.
“We need everyone, including him, to contribute because we don't have the depth to discount people if they perform poorly.”
Thursday's draw leaves Spurs outside the top eight of the Europa League on goal difference, with two games remaining against Hoffenheim and Elfsborg.
Postecoglou's side have also now won just one of their last eight matches in all competitions (D3 L4), and are winless in their last five (D3 L2).
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