Romero sorry over Spurs transfer jibe: Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou said Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has apologised after the Argentinian criticised his club’s transfer policy.

Postecoglou’s side are reeling after Sunday’s defeat against Chelsea in the Premier League left them with just one victory in seven matches in all competitions.

Romero publicly backed Tottenham boss Postecoglou after the match and urged the club hierarchy to follow the examples of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea by spending big on new signings.

“Those are the things to imitate. You have to realise that something is going wrong. Hopefully they (club board) realise it,” Romero was quoted as saying by Telemundo Deportes.

“Hopefully they realise who the true responsible ones are and we move forward because it’s a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, could easily be competing for the title every year.”

Postecoglou was quizzed on Romero’s controversial comments before Tottenham’s Europa League clash at Scottish side Rangers on Thursday.

“In the context of the day, Cristian was really disappointed obviously,” Postecoglou told reporters on Wednesday.

“To watch the team sort of have to feel the pain of another defeat in the manner it happened, he was obviously very emotional.

“I think it was his way of trying to, as a leader, help us and the group in saying that we’re going through a tough time but he believes in what we’re doing.

“And then the other part of it probably, he went about it sort of the wrong way in terms of, I think he’s passionate about having success at the club. I think the way he probably expressed it was not the right way. 

“Cristian, he realises what he said. A lot of what he said was good. Some of what he said wasn’t right and shouldn’t be done in the public.”

Asked if Romero will be punished, Postecoglou insisted: “I think I’m pretty consistent in saying I just don’t think that that’s important.

“I think what’s more important is an understanding of how we should deal with these things and deal with them better.

“I’ve already spoken to Cristian about it. He’s apologised for the way he said it, particularly in the public sense, wasn’t the right way to go about things.

“I think it would have been easier for him not to say anything. He does care, but like I said, there’s a way to do these things.”

Romero’s comments overshadowed former Celtic boss Postecoglou’s return to Glasgow, where he will be without at least seven players, including Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven and Richarlison.

The Australian acknowledged it was the worst injury crisis of his managerial career as he prepared for a hostile reception from Rangers fans after leading their city rivals to a pair of Scottish titles in his two-year reign.

“I think you know what kind of reception I’ll get,” Postecoglou said.

“European nights here, you know it is something you want to be a part of and hopefully overcome.”