Ange Postecoglou Slams Timo Werner’s Lackluster First-Half Performance vs Rangers

The 2024/25 season hasn’t been a smooth ride for anyone associated with Tottenham Hotspur. And last night, the Lilywhites hit another bump on the road, as Rangers dug deep to snatch a point, leaving Ange Postecoglou visibly unimpressed. The Australian manager didn’t mince his words after the game, pulling no punches in his critique. At the heart of his pointed frustration? German international Timo Werner.

Last night, Tottenham traveled to Glasgow to face Rangers in a highly intriguing and crucial Europa League tie. With just one spot separating the two sides in the standings, a victory at the electric Ibrox Stadium would have propelled Spurs into the top-eight. Yet, things didn’t go to plan for the Lilywhites, as Rangers proved to be a tough nut to crack. The first half saw Spurs struggle to assert themselves, and the teams headed into the break with the scores locked at 0-0. Rangers came out firing in the second half and deservedly took the lead through Hamza Igamane, who expertly volleyed in a sumptuous James Tavernier cross. As the minutes ticked away, it seemed Spurs were on the brink of another disappointing defeat. However, Dejan Kulusevski, brought on for an underperforming Timo Werner at halftime, had other ideas. The Swedish playmaker came to the rescue, securing a 1-1 draw with a crucial late goal. 

The point keeps Spurs in the hunt, but they currently sit in 9th place, just outside the guaranteed Round of 16 spots. While the result wasn’t disastrous, it was far from Tottenham’s finest display. However, with a growing injury list and a relentless fixture schedule, this draw might prove valuable in the long run. But Ange Postecoglou wasn’t in the mood for silver linings. The Australian manager didn’t shy away from his frustration post-match, particularly with Timo Werner’s performance. Substituted at halftime, the German international was at the center of Postecoglou’s pointed critique. “He wasn’t playing at anywhere near the level he should be,” Postecoglou stated bluntly. “Timo’s first-half performance was not acceptable to me. I told Timo that he’s a German international, that I need everyone to be trying to give their best, and this wasn’t an acceptable example. I expect a lot more from the senior guys.” 

Last night’s disappointment added to a worrying trend for Tottenham, who are now winless in their last five games across all competitions. Their emphatic 4-0 victory over Manchester City feels like a distant memory, standing as their only triumph in the last eight matches. Ange Postecoglou finds himself in a precarious position, needing to steady the ship quickly to avoid his Spurs tenure veering off course. Up next is a Premier League clash against Southampton, followed by a high-stakes Carabao Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United. Meanwhile, their Europa League campaign hangs in the balance, with must-win fixtures against Hoffenheim and Elfsborg rounding out the group stage. It’s crunch time for the Lilywhites, and all eyes will be on Postecoglou to see if he can rally his squad and get them back on track.