Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-1 draw against Rangers in the Europa League was a game filled with mixed emotions for the North London club. While the result earned Spurs an important point on the road, it also came with some disappointing performances, notably from German forward Timo Werner. The on-loan RB Leipzig striker, who is in his second stint at the club, was substituted at half-time after a lackluster first-half display. His performance came under intense scrutiny from manager Ange Postecoglou, who did not hold back in his criticism of the forward.
Postecoglou’s Blunt Assessment of Werner’s Performance
Ange Postecoglou, known for his typically calm and composed demeanor, made an exception in his post-match comments about Timo Werner. The Australian manager was direct in his assessment of the German striker, expressing disappointment with his performance. After a first half that saw Werner fail to make a significant impact, Postecoglou took the decision to substitute him at the break.
Werner’s statistics for the first half were far from impressive. He completed just 69% of his attempted passes, with many of his choices seeming to lack the decisiveness expected from a player of his caliber. His first-half performance was a far cry from the level Spurs fans and Postecoglou himself were hoping for from the experienced international.
“He wasn’t playing at anywhere near the level he should be,” Postecoglou said in his post-match interview. “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.”
This criticism marks a rare instance where Postecoglou has openly called out one of his players for not meeting the standards expected of him. With Werner’s track record of international experience and his time in the Bundesliga, the expectation was higher for him to deliver in crucial moments, especially in European competition.
Werner’s Struggles at Tottenham
The 2024/25 season has been a difficult one for Timo Werner, who has struggled to find consistency. In 19 appearances across all competitions, Werner has scored just once, with his overall form failing to inspire confidence. His time at Spurs has been marked by frustration, as he has yet to hit the heights expected from a player of his pedigree.
Since rejoining Tottenham on loan from RB Leipzig, the forward has not been able to replicate his past success in the Bundesliga, where he was known for his pace and finishing ability. Instead, Werner’s form has been marred by poor decision-making, an inability to influence matches, and a lack of sharpness in front of goal.
Postecoglou’s decision to hook Werner at half-time was not merely tactical but also a clear message to the player that performances at this level must improve. Given Spurs’ ongoing struggles with injuries and squad depth, every player’s contribution is crucial, and Werner’s failure to step up was seen as a missed opportunity.
Spurs’ Performance Against Rangers
While the performance of Werner dominated the post-match headlines, the team’s overall display was far from perfect. The 1-1 draw against Rangers at Ibrox left Tottenham with mixed feelings. On one hand, the point was important in the context of their Europa League campaign, but on the other hand, it was a missed opportunity to claim all three points in what was an evenly matched encounter.
Rangers took the lead in the first half, putting Spurs on the back foot, but Dejan Kulusevski came to the rescue in the second half, scoring an equalizer to salvage a point for the visitors. The Swedish winger’s goal was crucial in ensuring that Tottenham remained in the hunt for progression in the competition.
Postecoglou admitted that Spurs were not at their best, especially with a squad depleted by injuries. The manager acknowledged the challenges his team faced, particularly given the hostile atmosphere at Ibrox, a ground known for its intimidating European nights. Rangers, with their passionate support and physical style, made it a difficult game for Spurs, and Postecoglou was quick to recognize the tough nature of the fixture.
“We weren’t anywhere near our best, I think it’s fair to say that we’re in a period of games that we’re grinding through at the moment,” Postecoglou said. “But in the context of where we are in Europe and with our squad fairly depleted by injuries, it was an important point.”
The manager’s words highlighted the difficulties Tottenham are facing as they try to navigate a busy period of matches while dealing with injuries to key players. Nevertheless, Postecoglou seemed resigned to the fact that sometimes, grinding out results is necessary, especially in European competitions where the pressure is always high.
Tottenham’s Europa League Position
Following the draw against Rangers, Tottenham now find themselves in a precarious position in the Europa League group stage. With 11 points from six matches, Spurs sit ninth in the standings, just one point behind Manchester United, who won 2-1 against Viktoria Plzen. However, the result also leaves them five points behind group leaders Lazio, who have maintained a strong position at the top of the table.
Tottenham’s relatively underwhelming performance in the group stage has raised concerns about their ability to progress further in the competition. With the team’s form inconsistent and key players unavailable due to injuries, Postecoglou’s side will need to pick up their game in the final stretch of the group stage to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.
What’s Next for Werner and Spurs?
As Tottenham look ahead to their remaining Europa League fixtures and the challenges of domestic football, much attention will be on Timo Werner’s response to Postecoglou’s criticism. The onus is now on the German forward to prove that he can live up to the expectations set for him, both by his manager and by the club’s supporters.
With competition for places in the starting XI intensifying, Werner cannot afford many more subpar performances. His time at Spurs is rapidly coming to a crossroads, and it remains to be seen whether he can recapture the form that once made him one of the most promising forwards in European football.
For Spurs, the focus will be on improving overall team performance as they continue to fight for qualification in the Europa League and push for a stronger position in the Premier League. The pressure is mounting, and Postecoglou will need his players, particularly the senior ones like Werner, to rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.
