Ange Postecoglou Rejects ‘Mythical’ Excuses and Stands by Timo Werner Criticism

On Thursday, Tottenham Hotspur managed a 1-1 draw against Rangers in the Europa League, with Dejan Kulusevski scoring an equalizer 15 minutes from time to salvage a point for his team.

 

The result comes as pressure continues to mount on Tottenham’s head coach following a disappointing run of form.

 

The manager was booed by fans after a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth, marking Spurs’ fifth consecutive game without a win.

 

After a promising first season in the Premier League that saw Spurs finish fifth, expectations were high for continued improvement.

 

However, the team currently sits eleventh in the league table.

 

Postecoglou’s primary mission is to end Tottenham’s 16-year trophy drought, a task that briefly seemed possible after their 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season.

 

Despite this, issues surrounding investment in the squad have emerged.

 

Cristian Romero suggested that Spurs’ lack of spending compared to their rivals might be a factor holding the club back.

Postecoglou, however, has dismissed such claims, instead focusing on accountability and the current squad’s potential.

 

When asked about Romero’s comments ahead of Tottenham’s match against Southampton, Postecoglou was unequivocal: “I’m sick of that.

 

That’s an excuse for me. Even with Cristian’s comments, I just think it’s an excuse.

 

“At the moment, I’m here, I take responsibility, these players, we’re here.

 

If we think some mythical thing exists in this club that prevents success, then change it.

 

What’s the point otherwise? Don’t come here. I just don’t buy into that.

 

“We’re in a difficult situation squad-wise, and you either embrace the challenge or move on. If you want excuses, there are a million reasons why we can’t be successful.

 

If that’s what you’re clutching at, particularly in tough moments, what’s the point? Go somewhere else.”

One player who faced heavy criticism during Tottenham’s draw against Rangers was Timo Werner.

 

The German forward struggled significantly, losing possession 16 times, failing to win any of his five duels, and completing just 69% of his passes.

 

His poor performance led to his substitution at halftime, with Kulusevski replacing him and ultimately scoring the equalizer.

 

Postecoglou did not hold back in his post-match assessment of Werner’s display, saying: “When you’ve got 18-year-olds in the squad, that kind of performance is not acceptable to me.

 

I told Timo, he’s a German international. We need everybody, including him, to contribute because we don’t have the depth to leave players out if they perform poorly.

 

I expect a level of performance from senior players, and tonight wasn’t that.”

 

When asked during Friday’s press conference if he regretted his comments about Werner, the coach stood firm. “No, it wasn’t criticism; it was an assessment.

 

If we’ve played poorly, we’ve played poorly. With Timo, it wasn’t about whether he played well or not. We had a difficult game, and I’m asking 18-year-olds to do massive jobs.

 

Senior players—he’s an international and a Champions League winner—have to rise to a certain level of application and performance to help the team. He didn’t reach that.

 

“Me taking him off at halftime was a statement enough. The same way I won’t hide behind team performances, it’s no different for players or anyone else.”

 

The coach was also asked how Werner might respond to the criticism but remained steadfast in his stance.

 

“I’ve got no time for that sort of stuff anymore,” said the Australian. “We’re in a fight here.

 

Collectively, we’re 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 in players.

If someone in the dressing room is fit, able to contribute, and feels like they need something extra right now, they’re probably not the right type.

 

“We had some players last night who understood the situation we’re in. We’ve got 15 fit players, and in some positions, only two.

 

I’m not going to try to get extra out of people who don’t give extra right now.

 

That tells me everything I need to know about where they’re at.”

 

Postecoglou’s no-nonsense approach reflects the difficult situation Tottenham currently faces, with limited squad depth and increasing pressure to deliver results.

 

The coach’s focus remains on accountability, teamwork, and fighting through adversity.