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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 being successful.
Werner was sent off 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 speaking in Glasgow, Postecoglou was back in front of the media this morning to preview Sunday’s game against Southampton and he wasn’t letting up.
Next up: Southampton on Sunday 👊
👉 @Castrol pic.twitter.com/oGerSI1Ytl
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 13, 2024
“No, it wasn’t a criticism, it was an assessment,” he said. “If we played bad, we played bad. With Tim it wasn’t about whether he played well or not, we had a really tough game.
“I’m asking 18-year-olds to do huge jobs, and you have older players – he’s a senior player, he’s an international, he’s won the Champions League – that there’s a level of application and performance you need to rise to, help the team. He didn’t get to that.
“Taking it out at half-time was enough of a statement. Just like I’m not going to hide behind a team performance, it’s no different to a player or anyone else.”
‘I don’t have time for such things’
When asked how Werner reacted, Postecoglou added: “I don’t have time for such things anymore. We are here in a fight, we are collectively in a fight. I’m not going to go around worrying about people’s bruised egos.
“We want to achieve things, we want to be successful. We’re down to the bare bones of the players, if there’s someone in that locker room who’s ready, able to contribute and feels like they need something extra right now, they’re probably not the right guy.
“Last night we had some who understand the situation we are in. We have 15 ready players, in some positions we have only two players. I’m not going to go around trying to get more out of people if they don’t give more now. That gives me an indication of where they are.
“The team is not where our season is. It’s not about Tim. It’s not about putting someone down and blaming. We have a limited number of players. It’s a big challenge. I want people who are ready for that challenge.”
Stop making excuses – Ange
Tottenham are 11th in the Premier League with just one win in their last eight games in all competitions, leading to theories that the club are simply not built to succeed.
Argentine centre-half Cristian Romero also criticized the club’s board this week for a perceived lack of investment in the squad.
Postecoglou, however, believes the culture of excuses must end and has challenged his players to overcome adversity or move on.
He said: “I’m sick of it. That’s my excuse. That’s why, even with Cristiano Romero’s comments, I just think it’s an excuse.
“Right now I’m here, I’m taking responsibility, these players, we’re here. If we think there is some mythical thing about this club that prevents success then change it. What’s the point anyway? Don’t come here. I just don’t believe it.
“We are in a difficult situation right now because of where we are in the squad and either accept this challenge (or, if you want excuses, there are a million excuses why we can’t be successful). If it’s your clutch, especially in tough times, what’s the point? Continue then. Go somewhere else.”
The struggles of the Saints offer hope for the Spurs
Tottenham will have no better chance to get their season back on track than when they take on bottom-of-the-table Southampton with just five points this season.
Russell Martin’s men have struggled to adjust to life in the top flight following promotion, but Postecoglou will not underestimate the Saints.
He said: “In all the games they played some pretty exciting and efficient football against very good teams. Russell will probably be frustrated that they haven’t been able to keep it up and get the rewards for it.
“In football, the good things you do get diminished because people always look at the outcome, the result, which is fair enough. Some of the football they played was as good as any this year, home and away.”
