Ange Postecoglou: Tottenham boss not worried about ‘bruised ego’ after Timo Werner criticism

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou insisted he would not worry about the player’s “bruised ego” after speaking about Timo Werner’s performances. “Wasn’t acceptable” In their 1–1 Europa League draw with Rangers.

The 28-year-old Werner was substituted at half-time after losing possession 16 times, not winning any of his five duels and completing only 69% of his passes.

The German forward’s substitute Dejan Kulusevski scored the equalizer for Spurs in the 75th minute at Ibrox.

Postecoglou said Friday that he did not regret publicly criticizing Werner because his views were “an assessment.”

Former Chelsea player Werner, who is on loan from RB Leipzig, has scored only once in 19 appearances for Tottenham.

Postecoglou said: “Criticism is saying something that’s not really helpful. Evaluation is trying to give people feedback to try to improve and give people an opportunity to improve.

“With Timo it wasn’t about whether he played well or not. It was a difficult game. I’m asking 18-year-old kids to work harder.

“He’s an international player, he’s won the Champions League, he’s a senior player.

“To lift a team you need to reach a level of application. He didn’t reach that level.

“Timo is not where our season is at. It’s not about Timo. It’s not about bringing anybody down and blaming anybody.”

Tottenham, who are 11th in the Premier League table, travel to Southampton in a 19:00 GMT kick-off on Sunday.

With limited attacking options – Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are both currently sidelined – Postecoglou said Spurs faced a “big challenge”: “I want people who are up to that challenge. Get ready.

“We are in a fight here. I’m not going to worry about people’s bruised egos.

“We are here to win things. If there is someone in the dressing room who is fit and feels he needs something extra at the moment, he is probably not the right type.”