Ange Postecoglou is unconcerned about people’s “bruised egos” and dismissed the idea that there is a “mythical thing at the club” that has prevented Tottenham from succeeding.
Werner was withdrawn at half-time at Ibrox, but Postecoglou’s decision to go public with his criticism came as a surprise given that it is now the norm for Premier League managers to keep any punishment in the dressing room.
Twelve hours after his speech in Glasgow, Postecoglou was back in front of the media this morning to preview Sunday’s game at Southampton and he didn’t hold back.
Next: Southampton on Sunday 👊
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— Tottenham (@SpursOfficial) December 13, 2024
“No, it wasn’t a review, it was an assessment,” he said. “If we played bad, we played bad. With Timo it wasn’t about whether he had played well or not, we had a very difficult game.
“I’m asking 18-year-olds to do massive jobs and you’ve got big players – he’s an older player, he’s an international, he’s won the Champions League – that there’s a level of application and performance that you have to rise to. to help the team. He didn’t make it.
“I took him off at half-time was quite a statement. In the same way that I won’t hide behind the team’s performances, it’s no different to the players or anyone else.”
“I don’t have time for such things”
Asked how Werner responded, Postecoglou added: “I don’t have time for things like that anymore. We are in a battle here, collectively we are in a battle. I’m not going to go around worrying about people’s bruised egos.
“We want to achieve things, we want to be successful. We’ve been disappointed in the players, if there’s someone in that dressing room who’s fit, can contribute and feels like they need something extra at the moment, they’re probably not the right guy.
“We had some people last night who understand the situation we’re in. We have 15 players in good physical condition, in some positions we only have two players. I’m not going to go around trying to get extra out of people if they don’t give extra right now. This gives me a clue as to where they are.
“Timo is not where our season is at. This is not about Timos. It’s not about tearing someone down and blaming someone. We have a limited number of players. It’s a big challenge. I want people who are ready for this challenge.”
Stop making excuses – Ange
Tottenham are 11th in the Premier League having won just one of their last eight games in all competitions, leading to theories that the club are simply not built for success.
Argentina centre-half Cristian Romero also criticized the club’s board this week for a perceived lack of investment in the squad.
Postecoglou, however, feels the culture of excuses needs to stop and challenged his players to overcome adversity or move on.
He said: “I’m sick of this. That’s an excuse for me. So even with Cristian Romero’s comments, I think this is an excuse.
“Right now, I’m here, I’m taking responsibility, these players, we’re here. If we think there is something mythical about this club that is preventing success, then change it. What else is the point? Don’t come here. I just don’t buy it.
“At the moment, we’re in a difficult situation because of our team situation and you either accept this challenge (or), if you want excuses, there are a million of them why we can’t succeed. If that’s your clutch, especially in tough times, what’s the point? Go ahead then. Go somewhere else.”
Saints’ struggles give Spurs hope
Tottenham will have no better chance of getting their season back on track than when they take on a sharp Southampton side with just five points to their name this season.
Russell Martin’s men have struggled to adjust to life back in the top flight after promotion, but Postecoglou will not underestimate the Saints.
He said: “In all the games, they have played some pretty exciting and effective football against very good teams. Russell will probably be disappointed that he couldn’t sustain it and get rewards for it.
“In football, the good things you do are diminished because people always look at the result, the result, which is fair enough. Some of the football they’ve played has been as good as any this year, home and away.”
