Postecoglou Defends Romero’s Competitive Spirit Amid Disciplinary Challenges

omidbasir- Ange Postecoglou, the former manager of Spurs, has candidly discussed Cristian Romero’s formidable presence at the club’s training facilities. The World Cup-winning defender has frequently faced criticism for his disciplinary issues and aggressive playing style, highlighted by the eight yellow cards and two red cards he has accumulated in the Premier League this season. His most recent dismissal came during a 2-0 loss to Manchester United, where he received a straight red card for a foul on Casemiro, resulting in a subsequent four-match suspension.

Despite these challenges, Postecoglou characterized Romero’s intensity as a hallmark of his character, even during training sessions at Hotspur Way. He acknowledged that Romero’s no-nonsense approach often induces anxiety among his teammates but emphasized that this friction is not detrimental. Instead, Postecoglou believes that the defender’s elite mentality is exactly what the club requires to evolve from mere title contenders to actual champions.

“I appreciate his aggressive playing style; he does instill fear during practice,” Postecoglou remarked in an interview with The Overlap. “While he does occasionally overstep the mark, it’s not my place to reprimand him—let the coaches handle that.”

Postecoglou’s robust defense of the Argentine international underscores the critical role “enforcers” play in contemporary football. He drew a parallel to the legendary Roy Keane, asserting that having a player who commands fear from opponents and commands respect from teammates is essential for any squad aspiring to achieve significant silverware.

The manager recounted how Romero’s unyielding nature was instrumental in Tottenham’s success in the Europa League. He noted that the defender’s psychological tactics began long before the match commenced, illustrating a moment when Romero asserted control over Manchester United in the lead-up to a decisive final.

“Would you prefer to have a player like Roy on your side or against you? We certainly wouldn’t have triumphed in that final without Romero,” Postecoglou stated. “Before the match, he led our team into the Manchester United half for a huddle, ensuring our supporters were involved. His fearlessness is unparalleled—he is a winner, and I admire that mentality.”

Postecoglou also highlighted the respect and fear Romero commands among his teammates. While he is a well-liked figure in the dressing room, his colleagues understand the implications of failing to meet the standards he sets.

“That mentality is vital for any team, but it requires careful management. You hope he doesn’t completely cross the line; we must remember that his responsibilities extend beyond Tottenham—he is also a key player for the Argentine national team, a World Cup champion.”

Postecoglou reflected on Romero’s interactions with fellow Argentinian players, suggesting that their recent signings may fuel Romero’s desire for Tottenham to enhance their squad.

Currently, Romero is pivotal to Tottenham’s defense as they strive to avoid relegation, sitting in 16th place, just five points clear of the relegation zone. His leadership on the pitch is deemed irreplaceable, especially given the demanding schedule that includes both Champions League and domestic matches.

Looking ahead, Romero is also expected to contribute significantly to Argentina, where he remains a crucial starter under coach Lionel Scaloni. Balancing his high-intensity playing style with the need to maintain fitness will be essential as he prepares for both Spurs and the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

As Tottenham gears up for their Premier League clash against Arsenal in the North London Derby this Sunday, they will have to face the challenge without their suspended defender.