Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has stated he will not be concerned about players’ “bruised egos” following his critique of Timo Werner’s performance, labeling it as “unacceptable” during their 1-1 Europa League draw with Rangers.
Werner, 28, was substituted at halftime after losing possession 16 times, failing to win any of his five duels, and completing just 69% of his passes.
His replacement, Dejan Kulusevski, went on to score Spurs’ equalizer in the 75th minute at Ibrox.
Speaking on Friday, Postecoglou defended his public criticism of Werner, describing it as “an assessment.”
The German forward, who is on loan from RB Leipzig and formerly played for Chelsea, has managed just one goal in 19 appearances for Tottenham.
Postecoglou added: “Criticism is saying something that’s not really helpful. Assessment is trying to give people feedback to try to make them better and give people the opportunity to improve.
“With Timo it wasn’t about whether he played well or not. It was a difficult game. I’m asking 18-year-olds to do difficult jobs.
“He’s an international, he’s won the Champions League, he’s a senior player.
“There’s a level of application you need to rise to, to raise the team. He didn’t reach that.
“Timo is not where our season is at. It’s not about Timo. It’s not about bringing somebody down and blaming somebody.”
Tottenham, who are 11th in the Premier League table, travel to Southampton on Sunday in a 19:00 GMT kick-off.
With limited attacking options – both Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are currently sidelined – Postecoglou said Spurs face a “great challenge” adding: “I want people who are up for that challenge.
“We’re in a fight here. I’m not going to go away worrying about people’s bruised egos.
“We’re here to win things. If there’s somebody in the dressing room who’s fit who feels he needs something extra in this moment, he’s probably not the right type.”