Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has spoken to Cristian Romero in a bid to improve his disciplinary record ahead of the centre-back’s return against West Ham tomorrow.
Argentina World Cup-winner Romero has been shown two red cards and 18 yellows in just 60 Premier League appearances, with his latest dismissal coming in last month’s 4-1 defeat at home to Chelsea.
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He has subsequently missed the last three games, which have seen Spurs manage just a single point – in Sunday’s 3-3 draw at Manchester City, and Postecoglou accepts that is a record he needs to improve.
He said: “That is part of how he is as a player. He brings physicality to the group, but obviously when he oversteps the mark that also affects the group negatively.
“I have had a word with him about the discipline side of things, but it is great to have him back.
“He’s the only recognised centre-back we have fit at the moment. To have him as a recognised centre-back back in the team is good. He’s a fantastic player but also a leader in the group. From a leadership perspective it is also good to have him back.”
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— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 6, 2023
Tottenham twice came from behind to grab a point at the Etihad and end their losing run and Postecoglou was pleased with their application.
“The players are all human beings, so of course they weren’t happy with three losses,” he added. “It affects their general demeanour – with every loss you get more focus on the results.
“So we were not overjoyed in getting a draw but the manner they went about it gave them more belief in what we are trying to be.
“The second-half performance showed real resilience, so it is more about the upturn in any feelings coming from that game rather than the result. We are now trying to keep focusing on hitting those levels.”
A home game against David Moyes’ Hammers is another tricky test for Spurs as they look to maintain their place in the top five.
Postecoglou said: “You know with David, he’s been a presence in the Premier League for such a long time, he always puts out teams that are very competitive, so you have to be at your best to get anything from his sides.
“He has some real quality in his West Ham side and we will have to play at our best level to get something out of the game.”
