Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has expressed support for Timo Werner amidst recent criticism of the player’s performances. Werner, who has been covering for an injured Son Heung-min, failed to score despite creating opportunities during recent games.
Ange Postecoglou said, “It was 14 days ago those questions were asked of Brennan [Johnson]. It’s where we’re at in this world. We just think he’s missed two chances so he’s hopeless. No, he’s not hopeless. All footballers at this level are very, very good footballers.” Postecoglou defended Werner by adding, “Actually, last night Timo, in his first action, took on the winger and put in a brilliant cross for Will [Lankshear] and Will didn’t quite get on the end of it. If that goes in, he’s had a great assist. He gets a one-on-one, if he scores that, if in the last two games he gets a couple of goals, then we’d be having a different conversation, but that’s the fine lines.”
The coach praised Werner’s overall contributions, saying, “He’s been taking on his players, getting in the right areas. Yes, goals help, we’ve seen that with Brennan, for those kind of positions, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a good player.”
Postecoglou concluded, “I think [Timo’s] performances in the last two games have been better for us in terms of doing his role as a winger in our team. Yes, a goal would be great for him but not for me to say I expect more from him in that position.”
In a related update, Postecoglou provided positive news regarding Richarlison, who has been recovering from a calf injury.
Ange Postecoglou said, “He’s going well. Hopefully post-international break we’ll get him involved in team training.” He further expressed anticipation, stating, “I can’t wait to get Richy back available. When he played for us last year and was fit, he scored goals. To have him and Dom as our strikers – and Richy can play wide as well – can’t wait to get him back.”
Postecoglou reflected on Tottenham’s management approach compared to clubs like Brighton, emphasizing the importance of a consistent style.
Ange Postecoglou said, “It just makes important decisions in a club a lot easier in my opinion. If you know what you want in terms of style of play, style of player, and there’s plenty of evidence.” He further highlighted the pitfalls of inconsistent management choices, saying, “But if you don’t [look at that] and just say ‘he’s a great manager, let’s bring him in but I want him to play attacking football’ but he hasn’t done that [in the past]. Then it’s more likely to not be a good fit.”
He concluded by noting the significance of strategic hires, stating, “But at the same time, clubs, owners, they get pressured into saying ‘he’s a great manager, go and get him’, but is he a good fit? I think it’s the way to go but others choose a different path.”
