Spurs undecided on whether to sign Werner, says Postecoglou

Timo Werner’s loan deal between RB Leipzig and Tottenham contains a £15 million ($28.8 million AUD) buy-option.  

At his press conference on Tuesday ahead of Tottenham’s match against Chelsea on Wednesday, Spurs boss  Ange Postecoglou revealed that the club have not decided whether to trigger Timo Werner’s buy-option. The Australian manager redirected questions to Tottenham’s transfer strategy. He said the club need to assess their needs after the season.  

Postecoglou also took the opportunity to hit back at the English media for their criticism of his tactics after Spurs’ 3-2 loss to Arsenal in the North London Derby.  

Timo Werner future undecided 

Tottenham surprised everyone by bringing Timo Werner in on loan in January. The former Chelsea player joined Spurs on loan from RB Leipzig on a short-term deal with an option to buy reportedly around £15 million ($28.8 million AUD).  
 
Werner has scored two goals and racked up three assists in 14 matches for Spurs this season. When asked about whether he would be around next season, Ange Postecoglou revealed that the club have not decided whether to trigger Werner’s buy option. The Australian insisted that a decision like that could only be made after the season once the club has a chance to assess their needs.  

“I'm talking about where I want us to be [in the] next six months to be in a better place than today. Timo we signed until the end of the season on loan and he's part of that strategy to see what we need to do in the summer and can we do it,” Postecoglou said. 
 
“Are there going to be other gaps and where does Timo fit in with that strategy? So we have a plan in place, and that was irrespective. I think he's been very good for us. He came in at a really important time in January when Sonny was away [at the Asian Cup], then Richy got an injury. 
 
“We were short in wide areas. Him coming in was very helpful for us and I think he's made an impact but in my mind to make those definitive decisions, I still need some clarity about what we've got here first.” 

Postecoglou hits back at criticism of tactics

Postecoglou’s decision not to use a set piece coach has come under fire this week after Tottenham’s 3-2 loss to Arsenal. The Gunners, who employ a ‘world-class’ set piece coach, scored two relatively-easy set piece goals in that match. 
 
The Spurs boss was asked about whether the criticism bothered him. He responded with Billy Joel lyrics.  
 
“Not in the least. I get it,” he said, “To quote Billy Joel, 'you may be right, I may be crazy, but it's maybe a lunatic you're looking for.’” 

“I'm just not interested in it. I never have been. Enough of you have done enough research on me to know this is not the first time I've been questioned about set pieces in my coaching career,” Postecoglou said, doubling down on his stance.  

Spurs’ odds at the betting sites to qualify for the Champions League have ballooned in recent weeks following poor results against Newcastle and Arsenal. They can close the gap on Aston Villa this week with a win against Chelesa on Thursday.