“He’s probably not the right type”- Ange hints Spurs forward could leave soon as part of brutal new approach

Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that his focus is on results and not on managing players’ feelings as he navigates a challenging period at Tottenham Hotspur. Under significant pressure, with just one win in their last eight matches across all competitions, Postecoglou is determined to turn the tide and prove his worth amid growing criticism from supporters.

Tottenham’s latest setback, a 1-1 draw away to Rangers in the Europa League, highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles. Dejan Kulusevski managed to equalize after Hamza Igamane opened the scoring, but the performance once again left much to be desired.

Kulusevski replaced Timo Werner at halftime after a poor first-half showing from the German forward, whose performance fell significantly short of expectations. Werner failed to create a single chance, completed none of his dribble attempts, and lost all his ground duels, prompting swift action from the Spurs manager.

Postecoglou did not hesitate to critique Werner’s display, describing it as “unacceptable.” He addressed the decision to substitute Werner and made it clear that his assessment wasn’t personal but rather an honest evaluation of the player’s contribution in a critical match.

Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s upcoming Premier League clash with Southampton, the manager stood firm on his comments, emphasizing the importance of accountability at every level of the team.

He explained that his remarks were not intended as criticism but as a reflection of the standards required from senior players. Werner, a seasoned international and Champions League winner, was expected to deliver a level of performance and leadership that simply wasn’t evident on the night.

Postecoglou stressed that removing Werner at halftime was itself a clear message about expectations, underlining that no one—whether player or manager—should be exempt from scrutiny when performances fall below par.

Postecoglou also dismissed any notion of regret over his post-match comments, reinforcing his commitment to candid assessments. He pointed out that as a leader, it is his responsibility to address shortcomings directly rather than avoid uncomfortable truths.

His focus remains on fostering a collective mentality within the squad, one that prioritizes resilience and accountability over personal sensitivities.

When questioned about Werner’s reaction to the criticism, Postecoglou reiterated that he no longer has the luxury of considering individual egos during this crucial period. With Tottenham in a precarious position, he emphasized that the current situation demands a fighting spirit from every player. Those unwilling to meet this standard risk being sidelined, both in the immediate term and potentially in the club’s long-term plans.

The manager expressed frustration over the limited options at his disposal due to injuries, noting that Spurs are down to just 15 fit players. In such circumstances, he expects those available to give everything they have to help the team navigate this challenging spell. For Postecoglou, there is no room for complacency or hesitation; players must rise to the occasion or risk falling out of favor.

This stance highlights Postecoglou’s vision for the club’s future. He aims to build a squad that embodies determination, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to success, even in the face of adversity.

While the current situation may test relationships within the team, it also serves as a litmus test for identifying players who can thrive under pressure.

Postecoglou’s candid approach has drawn both criticism and praise, with some viewing it as a necessary shift in culture at Tottenham. For too long, the club has been criticized for falling short of its ambitions, and Postecoglou appears intent on instilling a more ruthless mentality. While this approach may bruise egos in the short term, the manager believes it will ultimately pave the way for a stronger, more unified squad capable of achieving tangible success.

As Tottenham prepare for their next fixture against Southampton, Postecoglou’s determination to steer the club back on track remains unwavering. The match presents an opportunity to regain momentum and restore confidence among players and fans alike. However, the manager’s message is clear: only those willing to fight for the team will earn their place on the pitch.

Postecoglou’s leadership during this turbulent period could define his tenure at Tottenham. His willingness to make tough decisions and prioritize the club’s long-term goals over immediate appeasement reflects a bold vision for success.

Whether this approach yields the desired results remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Postecoglou is prepared to stake his reputation on the belief that a resilient, united squad is the key to overcoming the challenges ahead.