Postecoglou not worried about bruising Werner’s ego

Ange Postecoglou has reaffirmed his firm stance on Timo Werner’s performance during Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Rangers while urging senior players to rise to the occasion and lead the team through a challenging period.

Spurs, hampered by a string of injuries, managed to salvage a point thanks to Dejan Kulusevski’s 75th-minute equalizer, leaving them ninth in the Europa League after six matches.

Postecoglou did not hold back in his assessment of Werner, who was substituted at halftime. Describing the performance as “not acceptable,” the manager clarified that his remarks were not intended as criticism but as an objective evaluation.

The RB Leipzig loanee, despite the tough verdict, will be needed for the upcoming Premier League clash against Southampton, given the club’s growing list of absentees.

The manager explained that Werner’s struggles were not simply about individual performance but a broader expectation of senior players in the squad. He emphasized the need for experienced professionals to step up in crucial moments, especially given the challenges posed by their current injury crisis.

Citing Werner’s status as a Champions League-winning international, Postecoglou expressed his disappointment at the forward’s inability to meet the required level of application during the match at Ibrox. Removing him at halftime, he noted, was a statement in itself.

Postecoglou made it clear that the focus is on collective responsibility rather than catering to individual egos. With Tottenham operating with a threadbare squad of only 15 fit players, the manager stressed the importance of unity and commitment.

He stated that this is not a time for players to seek additional motivation but rather an opportunity to demonstrate their readiness to contribute under challenging circumstances. Those unable to rise to the occasion, he suggested, may not be suited to the club’s current needs.

The situation is further complicated by the suspensions of Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur, both of whom featured against Rangers but will miss the Southampton clash.

This leaves Postecoglou with even fewer options as the team prepares for a critical stretch of matches, including a League Cup tie against Manchester United and a Premier League showdown with leaders Liverpool.

In addressing the broader squad, Postecoglou called for senior players to take on greater responsibility. He acknowledged that the team is in a fight, with limited resources and significant challenges ahead.

Despite these difficulties, he framed the moment as a defining test of character, emphasizing the need for unwavering commitment and application from everyone involved.

Postecoglou expressed optimism about the opportunity to navigate these challenges, viewing them as a chance to set the tone for the remainder of the season.

While his comments on Werner’s performance were pointed, he stressed that the critique extends to the entire squad. The focus, he reiterated, is not on one individual but on the collective effort required to steer the team through this difficult period.

As Tottenham prepares for a pivotal week, Postecoglou’s message is clear: the club needs players who embrace the challenge and demonstrate resilience.

With their season hanging in the balance, the manager’s expectations are unwavering. Those who step up will have the chance to define their roles in the team, while those who falter may find their future at the club in question.