Ange Postecoglou has criticised Timo Werner’s performance as ‘unacceptable’ in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw at Rangers.
Werner was withdrawn at half-time of the Europa League clash with the Scottish side, with the forward’s replacement, Dejan Kulusevski, netting an equaliser for Spurs.
The Germany international endured a tough evening at Ibrox, losing possession on 16 occasions. He completed just 18 accurate passes in his 45 minutes on the pitch, completed none of his three dribbles, won 0/5 ground duels, and failed to register a shot on target.
Postecoglou hauled of the 28-year-old at the interval and has publicly criticised Werner’s performance, branding his level has ‘unacceptable’.
“He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should,” said Postecoglou at his post-match press conference.
“When you’ve got 18-year-olds [playing], it’s not acceptable to me and I said that to Timo. He’s a senior German international.
“The moment we’re in right now, it’s not like we’ve got many options. I need everyone to at least be going out there trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”
The draw leaves Spurs ninth in the Europa League standings, outside the top eight on goal difference. A place in the top eight secures automatic qualification to the Round of 16 and seeding for the first knockout round. Spurs concluded their league phase campaign with clashes against Hoffenheim and IF Elfsborg.
