Postecoglou’s public criticism of Werner is an SOS for Spurs

Ange Postecoglou made headlines by criticizing Timo Werner after draw 1-1 with Rangers in the Europa League – but he explained that it was part of a wider message.

The Australian coach has repeatedly said he needs all his fit players to “fight” in a week that could “set up our season”.

There is no doubt that the talk around Spurs is currently negative, but the season can be saved. Despite criticism of Ibrox’s performance, qualification for the knockout stages of the Europa League still looks likely.

Hit by an injury crisis, including the loss of key players Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, the onus is now on the remaining players to keep the season alive in the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

Spurs are 11th in the Premier League but face bottom of the league Southampton on Sunday.

The following is a home game against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final before Liverpool visit the following Sunday in the league.

Germany international Werner has felt the full force of Postecoglou’s criticism this week, but insists other players have failed to deliver, a category which does not include the exceptional and versatile Archie Gray, 18, nor, increasingly, his star man Dejan Kulusevski.

Amid criticism and what he called an “injury crisis” given he only has one fit centre-back, Postecoglou has challenged his remaining players to keep the season alive .

What do you think of Postecoglou’s criticisms?

Is he right to call out underperforming players? Or has he gone too far?

Let us know your thoughts