Timo Werner has found himself in the spotlight again, this time under criticism from Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou following Spurs’ 1-1 draw against Rangers in the Europa League. Werner, substituted at halftime during the match, faced a blunt assessment from Postecoglou, who said: “He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should… When you’ve got 18-year-olds, it’s not acceptable to me. I said that to Timo. He’s a senior international, he’s a German international… His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”
This is not the first time Werner has faced public scrutiny during his time in English football. The German forward, who previously played for Chelsea from 2020 to 2022, had a mixed tenure with the Blues despite being part of their Champions League-winning squad. Werner scored 23 goals in 89 appearances but struggled with consistency, a trend that seems to continue at Spurs, where he is currently on loan.
During his Chelsea days, Werner also faced criticism from his managers. Frank Lampard, in December 2020, called out Werner’s lackluster display during a 3-1 loss to Arsenal, stating: “For today, Timo wasn’t giving us enough with or without the ball… Some of it we have to give him time… but we also have to get there quickly.” Similarly, Thomas Tuchel, who managed Werner for most of his Chelsea tenure, frequently highlighted Werner’s inefficiency in front of goal. Tuchel’s frustrations were visible after Werner missed key chances in critical games, such as Chelsea’s Champions League draw against Real Madrid in April 2021.
Public criticisms from managers have followed Werner into his time at Tottenham, raising questions about his fit in the Premier League. At 28, Werner should be entering the prime of his career, but his inability to adapt to the physical demands and scrutiny of English football continues to hinder his progress. Many believe a return to the Bundesliga, where he thrived before moving to England, could help him rediscover his best form.
For now, Werner remains a divisive figure, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistent performances and mounting public criticism. His future beyond the 2024/25 season remains uncertain, with many eyes on his next steps.
