Tottenham star Cristian Romero points finger at Daniel Levy amid Ange Postecoglou pressure
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou faces mounting pressure after securing just one win in seven matches. This poor run of form has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike, but defender Cristian Romero has hinted that the blame may not lie solely with the head coach.
Romero, who returned to the starting lineup against Chelsea, suffered an injury just 15 minutes into the match. Despite holding an early 2-0 lead, Tottenham ultimately fell to a dramatic 4-3 defeat.
Postecoglou has continued to defend his players and decisions amid growing scrutiny. The former Celtic manager, who guided Spurs to a fifth-place finish last season, now finds his team languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
However, Romero’s recent comments suggest that the team’s struggles stem from broader issues within the club’s hierarchy. His pointed remarks seem to shift accountability toward chairman Daniel Levy and the club’s leadership, highlighting systemic problems in their approach to competing at the highest level.
In a candid interview with Telemundo Deportes, Romero expressed frustration with Tottenham’s lack of progress compared to rival clubs. He highlighted how teams like Manchester City and Liverpool consistently strengthen their squads, creating sustainable success, while even Chelsea, despite their ups and downs, have shown resilience by rebuilding and achieving results. Romero implied that Spurs have failed to emulate such strategies, resulting in repeated underperformance.
“The truth is, I would say no comment, but…” Romero began, signaling his reluctance to openly criticize but ultimately voicing his concerns. He compared Tottenham’s stagnation with the proactive efforts of their rivals and underscored the need for the club’s leadership to address its shortcomings.
“You have to realize that something is going wrong. Hopefully, they realize it,” he added. The Argentine defender also emphasized that the recurring cycle of changing players and coaching staff without addressing deeper issues has hindered the club’s progress.
Romero described Tottenham as a “beautiful club” with the potential to compete for titles annually, given its infrastructure and resources. He praised Postecoglou as a “great coach” and affirmed the players’ support for their manager, making it clear that the team remains committed to his leadership despite recent challenges.
The match against Chelsea encapsulated Tottenham’s current woes. Early goals from Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski gave Spurs a promising start, but Chelsea’s comeback—featuring two penalties from Cole Palmer and goals from Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernandez—underscored the defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued Postecoglou’s side. A late goal from Son Heung-min provided some consolation but did little to soften the disappointment.
Injuries have compounded Tottenham’s struggles, with key players such as Romero, Brennan Johnson, and Micky van de Ven facing fitness concerns. Despite this, Postecoglou defended his decision to field players recovering from injuries, arguing that the team’s limited options necessitated calculated risks. Addressing Romero’s latest setback, the manager clarified that it was unrelated to his previous injury and could have occurred under any circumstances.
“No, Romero didn’t injure the same thing. It’s a totally different injury, but also people I’m sure are aware of our situation,” Postecoglou explained. He emphasized that both Romero and Van de Ven had trained well and expressed a willingness to contribute, making the decision to play them a carefully considered one. The manager reiterated his belief in his players’ commitment, even under difficult circumstances.
Postecoglou has also had to contend with criticism from fans, including boos from the stands, as frustrations mount over the team’s recent performances.
Despite the noise, he has remained steadfast in his approach, defending his players and refusing to single out individuals for blame. He urged supporters to recognize the challenges posed by injuries and the squad’s overall depth, reminding them that decisions are made with the best intentions for the team.
As Tottenham navigate this turbulent period, Romero’s comments highlight the need for introspection and strategic planning at the highest levels of the club.
While the manager and players shoulder much of the immediate pressure, the underlying issues Romero alluded to suggest that long-term success will require a more cohesive and forward-thinking approach from the entire organization.
The North London side’s infrastructure and fanbase provide a solid foundation, but without addressing the systemic problems, the potential for consistent title contention will remain unrealized.
This period serves as a critical juncture for Tottenham Hotspur. The path forward will depend not only on tactical adjustments and squad improvements but also on meaningful changes in how the club operates at an executive level.
Romero’s call for accountability and progress echoes the sentiments of many fans who long for a team capable of competing at the highest level. Whether Postecoglou can weather the storm and lead Tottenham back to success remains to be seen, but the underlying message is clear: the time for change is now.