Ange Postecoglou says he is not worried about players' “bruised egos” after saying Timo Werner's performance against Rangers was “not acceptable”.
Tottenham came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Ibrox Stadium in the Europa League on Thursday, but the German was sent off at half-time after a dismal display.
He lost possession 16 times, with only Pedro Porro (20) playing the full 90 minutes, and he did so more often for Spurs. He also failed to complete his three dribbles and did not win any of his five duels.
His replacement, Dejan Kulusevski, scored the equalizer and saved a point.
Postecoglou made it clear he was unhappy with Werner's performance on Thursday and stood by his public comments, explaining that senior players in the squad needed to make more appearances due to their injury problems.
'It wasn't criticism [of Werner]. It was an assessment,” Postecoglou said at his press conference ahead of Tottenham's visit to Southampton.
“He's an international, he's won the Champions League, he's a senior player. There's a level you have to reach to take the team to the next level. He hasn't reached that.”
“It's just an assessment of his performance. On a very challenging night for us – which we knew going into it – he has to be better.
'We're having a fight here. I don't leave worrying about people's bruised egos. We're here to win things.'
Next: Southampton on Sunday
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— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 13, 2024
Tottenham have lost 14 of their 33 Premier League games so far in 2024 (W14 D5), just one fewer than in 42 games in 2023. They last lost more than 15 league games in consecutive calendar years in 2002 (15), 2003 (20) and 2004 (15).
They have won just one of their last eight games in all competitions and are winless in their last five since beating Manchester City 4-0.
Spurs are currently without Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies and Guglielmo Vicario at the back, as well as strikers Richarlison and Wilson Odobert.
Postecoglou is under pressure after their recent run, but he remains true to his playing style and expects his side to continue to believe in this during this period of injuries.
“This football club wants to achieve things, we want to be successful and we are in the players down to the core,” he added.
“If there is someone in the dressing room who is fit and feels like he needs something extra at the moment, then he is probably not the right type,” Postecoglou said.
“I'm not going to try to get extra out of people. If they're not able to give extra now, that probably says something like that.
“Timo is not where our season is at. It's not about Timo. It's not about putting anyone down and blaming anyone. We have a limited number of players. It's a great challenge. I want people who are ready for that challenge .” “
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