“I couldn't cross the street”: Tottenham legends support Ange Postecoglou for Timo Werner's performance
Ange Postecoglou has received the backing of two Tottenham legends for his assessment of Timo Werner's poor performance.
The German was taken off at half-time of Spurs' 1-1 Europa League draw in ranger on Thursday, with Postecoglou later claiming that the striker “wasn't playing anywhere near the level he should be.”
It was the first time that the Tottenham coach spoke publicly singled out a player to criticize – however brutal evaluation It serves as a warning to Werner and his teammates who find themselves in the midst of a bad run of form.
Postecoglou said of Werner in the post-match press conference: “His performance in the first half was not acceptable.”
“We need everyone, including him, to contribute, because we don't have the depth to leave people out if they perform poorly.
“We need them to play their part. Especially the older ones. When I ask the younger ones to do massive jobs.
“I expect a level of performance from some of the older guys and today wasn't that.”
Former Tottenham striker Teddy Sheringham joined talkSPORT on Friday and revealed that he hoped Werner's early exit at Ibrox would provide motivation to improve his performances.
“In general, each player tries to implement what he (Postecoglou) wants on the field,” Sheringham told talkSPORT.
“I don't see anyone shirking other than Timo Werner. He's been poor every time I've seen him this year.
“He needs to stick his finger out and realize what it's like to be a professional footballer again and show some enthusiasm because it looks like he's going through the motions.
“I don't agree with Ange coming out and saying it publicly, but that being said, she needs to know what other people are thinking.”
3
Another former Spurs ace, Alan Brazil, provided his own scathing criticism of Werner saying: “With the greatest respect to Werner, I know he works hard but he is not a top player.
“I couldn't cross a street.”
However, Postecoglou's public condemnation of Werner has not met with universal approval.
Troy Deeney, who was involved in a public dispute with his players when he was in charge of Forest Green Rovers, believes Postecoglou's rant was a message to the board ahead of the January transfer window.
“I felt like, as a coach, that was a bit insulting to him,” Deeney told talkSPORT's White and Jordan.
“A cheap one to send a message up and say, 'This is what you let me work with and who you say I have to get over the line with.'”
3
Meanwhile, talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook added: “He's going to need Timo Werner. Tottenham have a crippling list of injuries. You run the risk of losing him now with those comments, don't you?”
Tottenham have gone five games without a win since winning 4-0 at home. city of manchester on November 23, meaning the pressure is building on the Australian coach.
Postecoglou regrets a injury crisis which he described this week as “the worst of my career” as he deals with a makeshift defense and key absences in midfield and attack.
When asked about Postecoglou's tenure so far, Sheringham praised the 59-year-old and called on the club to support their man.
“I'm here to support Ange this morning,” he added. “I love what he has given Tottenham this year. I think in the last four or five years you have seen Tottenham with (José) Mourinho and (Antonio) Conte have one or two chances a game.
“Now I go to watch Tottenham and I see them making ten chances in the first 15 minutes.
“I think it's exciting. I think any team would struggle without their two main center backs and their main goalkeeper.
“I'm still excited and optimistic about Ange and the way he plays and I think they should keep him.”
