Head coach Ange Postecoglou believes that forward Brennan Johnson has the potential to be a “significant contributor” for Tottenham Hotspur if he navigates through his current difficulties.
The 23-year-old scored a crucial late winner for Spurs in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match against Championship side Coventry City, though his celebrations were subdued.
This goal followed reports that Johnson had deactivated his Instagram account due to criticism received after the derby loss to Arsenal on Sunday.
“With Brennan, you know I spoke about it [on Tuesday] that he comes in, works hard at his game and when you’re an attacking player, you’re always kind of getting measured against certain things,” Postecoglou said.
“I said, if he can get through this period and just be positive and play like he can, he can be a significant contributor to us and credit to him. He got a good goal.”
Since joining Tottenham from Nottingham Forest for over £45 million last September, Johnson has scored six goals. Postecoglou noted that Johnson is “probably lacking a bit of confidence” at the moment.
On Wednesday, the Tottenham boss expressed his sadness that social media abuse has become all too common.
“I hate how we’ve just normalised all that stuff,” the 59-year-old added.
Before moving to Spurs, the Wales player scored 29 goals and contributed 12 assists in 108 appearances for Forest.