Ange Postecoglou has told his Tottenham players he is “sick” of hearing excuses and told anyone not up for the fight to leave the club.
The Spurs boss also said he doesn’t care about “bruised egos” after he hit out at Timo Werner’s performance in their 1-1 draw with Rangers.
The Australian was left less than impressed with Werner’s showing in their Europa League draw with the Scottish side, where he described the German’s performance as “not acceptable.”
Postecoglou hooked Werner at the half-time interval and was blunt in his assessment when asked why he subbed the winger off.
Ange Postecoglou's SCATHING analysis of Timo Werner's performance:
"He's a senior international he's a German international… his performance in the first half wasn't acceptable!"😳
🔗https://t.co/7n80jFF7aU pic.twitter.com/ucnliWvdEX
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) December 12, 2024
“When you’ve got 18-year-olds [in the squad], it [that performance] is not acceptable to me,” said Postecoglou.
“I said that to Timo, he’s a German international. His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.
“We need everybody, including him, to be contributing because we don’t have the depth to leave people out if they perform poorly. I expect a level of performance from some of the senior guys, and tonight wasn’t that.”
Ange Postecoglou Sends Defiant Message To Complaining Spurs Stars
Following his critical comments of Werner, Ange Postecoglou has warned that any player who aren’t up for the challenge of turning the club’s fortunes around should leave.
“We’re in a fight here,” said Postecoglou. “I’m not going to go around worrying about bruised egos. We want to achieve things, we want to be successful and we’re down to the bare bones in players.
“If someone is fit and able to contribute and someone who feels they need a bit extra [motivation], they are probably not the right person. If they can’t give me extra right now, that shows me where they are at.
"I'm sick of that"
Ange Postecoglou on the "mythical" thing preventing success at the club and players giving excuses. pic.twitter.com/TXGWRwPG5H
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 13, 2024
“We are in a difficult situation because of where we are squad wise. We have 15 fit players. If you want to make excuses there’s millions of excuses of them why they can’t be successful. If that’s you, move on, go somewhere else.
“Last night wasn’t about Timo Werner wasn’t about him. It could have been someone else. Other players could have given more. It’s not about Timo, it’s about the situation we are in. It could be anyone. It’s not about bringing someone down or blaming someone.’
Postecoglou Says He’s Sick Of Excuses After Cristian Romero’s Comments
The Tottenham boss has also criticised Cristian Romero’s recent comments that hinted at Spurs’ lack of success being down to chairman Daniel Levy not investing enough money into the club.
“I am sick of that too,” said Postecoglou. “That is an excuse for me. That is why, Romero’s comments – I think that is an excuse. We are here. If we think some mythical thing exists that prevents success, then change it – what’s the point otherwise. If you don’t buy into it, don’t come here.”
After Spurs’ 4-3 defeat by Chelsea on Sunday, Romero was asked if the club’s limited budget and lack of depth was the reason for Spurs’ lack of success when it came to trophies. The defender told Telemundo Deportes: “The truth is, I would say no comment, but…
“Manchester City competes every year, you see how Liverpool strengthens its squad, Chelsea strengthens their squad, doesn’t do well, strengthens again, and now they’re seeing results. Those are the things to imitate.
“You have to realise that something is going wrong, hopefully, they realise it. The last few years, it’s always the same: first, the players, then the coaching staff changes, and it’s always the same people responsible.
“Hopefully, they realise who the true responsible ones are, and we move forward because it’s a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, could easily be competing for the title every year.”
Spurs’ Struggles Continue
Spurs have now won just once in their last eight games in all competitions.
The draw at Rangers was a prime example for their recent struggles. On Sunday, they threw away a two-goal lead at home to fierece rivals Chelsea, eventually losing 4-3.
They have also suffered damning defeats by the likes of Galatasaray, Ipswich and Bournemouth, while also dropping points to Fulham and Roma.
Spurs’ poor run of form has now heaped the pressure on Postecoglou, making him a favourite with the bookies to become the next manager to be sacked in the Premier League.
According to best football betting sites in the UK, Rodgers is the favourite with some other surprise inclusions making the list. Here are five potential candidates who could also take over.
Check out the odds for other potential managers that could take over at Spurs.
