Ange Postecoglou has come to the defence of Tottenham forward Timo Werner following his recent missed chances, encouraging the player to draw inspiration from the in-form Brennan Johnson.
Werner, who is on loan from RB Leipzig, has struggled to find the back of the net in seven matches since his return to Spurs this season. Despite displaying an overall positive performance against Ferencvaros, Werner’s night was marred by a notable miss in the second half. This trend continued from the game against Manchester United last weekend, where he squandered two prime opportunities. However, the ex-Chelsea attacker is set to feature in the upcoming match against Brighton on Sunday, with captain Son Heung-min doubtful due to a hamstring injury.
Postecoglou dismissed criticisms labelling Werner as “hopeless” and cited Johnson’s recent success as proof that players can bounce back from setbacks. The Wales international scored in five consecutive matches, proving that a rough patch doesn’t define a player’s abilities. Postecoglou emphasised that Werner’s contributions to the team extend beyond scoring goals and highlighted his recent improvements in gameplay.
Looking ahead, Werner will face increased competition with Richarlison nearing a return after a prolonged absence due to a calf injury. Postecoglou expressed his anticipation for Richarlison’s comeback, praising the player’s goal-scoring prowess and versatility in different attacking roles. The manager acknowledged Richarlison’s history of injury struggles and affirmed that the team is taking extra precautions to ensure his sustained fitness upon return.
As Tottenham prepares for upcoming fixtures, Postecoglou remains optimistic about Werner’s potential and contributions to the team’s success. The manager’s support for Werner amidst scrutiny reflects his confidence in the forward’s capabilities and the team’s collective effort to overcome challenges on the field.