Ange Postecoglou is not concerned about people's “injured egos” and rejects the idea that there is “something legendary at the club” preventing Tottenham from achieving success.
Werner was sent off at half-time at Ibrox, but Postecoglou's decision to go public with his criticism was a surprise given it has now become the norm for Premier League managers to keep any reprimands inside the dressing room.
Twelve hours after speaking in Glasgow, Postecoglou was back in front of the media this morning to review Sunday's game against Southampton and he did not hold back.
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“No, it wasn’t a criticism, it was an assessment,” he said. “If we played poorly, we played poorly. With Timo, it wasn't a question of whether he played well or not, we had a really tough game.
“I ask 18-year-olds who have done huge jobs and you have top players – he's a top player, he's an international, he's won the Champions League – that there is a level of application and performance that you need to rise to, to help the team. And he hasn't reached that.
“Taking him off at half-time was statement enough. In the same way I won't hide behind the team's performance, it's no different for the players or anyone else.
“I don't have time for that kind of thing.”
When asked about Werner's reaction, Postecoglou added: “I don't have time for that kind of thing anymore. We're in a fight here, collectively we're in a fight. I'm not going to go around worrying about people's broken egos.”
“We want to achieve things, we want to be successful. We deal with key players, if there is someone in the dressing room who is fit and able to contribute and feels like they need something extra at this moment, then they are probably not the right type.
“We had some people who understand the situation we are in last night. We have 15 players ready, and in some positions we only have two players. I'm not going to try to get more people if they don't offer more now. This gives me an indication of where they are at.”
“Timo is not where our season is. It's not about Timo. It's not about bringing someone down and blaming someone. We have a limited number of players. It's a big challenge. I want people who are up to this challenge.”
Stop making excuses – Ang
Tottenham are 11th in the Premier League having won just one of their last eight matches in all competitions, giving rise to theories that the club is not built for success.
Argentine midfielder Cristian Romero also criticized the club's board of directors this week over a perceived lack of investment in the squad.
However, Postecoglou feels the culture of excuses must stop and challenges his players to overcome adversity or move on.
“I'm tired of it,” he said. This is an excuse for me. That's why, even with Cristian Romero's comments, I think this is just an excuse.
“Right now, I'm here, I take responsibility, these players, we're here. If we think there's something legendary about this club that prevents success, then we have to change it. What's the point otherwise? Don't come here. I don't buy into that.”
“Right now, we're in a difficult situation because of our situation wise in the team, and either you accept that challenge (or), if you want excuses, there are a million of them for why we haven't succeeded. If that's your clutch, especially in difficult moments, then what's the point? “Move then go somewhere else.”
Saints' struggle gives hope to Tottenham
Tottenham will have no better chance of getting their season back on track when they face bottom club Southampton with just five points this season.
Russell Martin's men have struggled to adapt to life back in League One after promotion, but Postecoglou will not underestimate Saints.
“In all the games they played exciting, effective football against very good teams,” he said. “Russell will probably be frustrated that they couldn't take him on and get rewards for it.
“In football, the good things you do are diminished because people always look at the result, the result, which is fair enough. Some of the football games they have played have been as good as anyone else this year, both home and away.
