Romero exit ‘to spell end for Postecoglou at Tottenham’ after huge new admission
Ange Postecoglou made his stance on Tottenham vice-captain Cristian Romero’s future clear.
The Australian has spoken glowingly about the impact the Europa League Player of the Year has had on his side, both on and off the pitch.
He credited the Argentine’s return to central defence, alongside Micky Van de Ven, as a critical factor in delivering the Lilywhites their first piece of silverware in 17 years.
The World Cup winner was not in the squad for Spurs’ final league fixture against Brighton, with Postecoglou excusing the centre-back for a toe injury and praising his commitment in the weeks prior.
He has therefore not taken kindly to the fact that Romero has been heavily linked with a move away from North London this summer.
Postecoglou believes Spurs must keep hold of Romero
Tottenham are a better team with Romero in it, which was perfectly illustrated during their Europa League campaign.
| Statistics | Games With Romero (7 Games) | Games Without Romero (8 Games) |
| Games won | 7 | 4 |
| Games lost | 0 | 2 |
| Goals conceded | 4 | 9 |
The commanding defender started the Europa League final with the captain’s armband and led the team by example, limiting Manchester United’s attacking threat and ensuring Spurs kept a clean sheet on the biggest stage.
In his final post-match press conference of the season following Spurs’ 4-1 defeat to Brighton (25 May), Postecoglou reiterated Romero’s importance and urged the club to ensure he does not leave the club.
He said: “Romero is absolutely important to keep at this football club, you just saw the way he’s been in the last [weeks] and he hasn’t been fully fit to be fair with his toe, but you’ve seen he’s a World Cup winner. He is a winner.
“You saw that in all the big games we’ve had, and the lads certainly respect him very highly, and he makes them walk a bit taller. So, from my perspective, it is a no-brainer that making sure players like him [stay], because if he goes, who do you replace him with?
“There’s not too many out there like him. It will be very important for the club to try and retain him, and retain him for the longer term.”
Whether Postecoglou remains beyond the summer is still not certain, but his strong words suggest that he may take matters into his own hands if Spurs were to sell their best defender.
Romero key to what happens next at Tottenham
Romero’s time in North London has not always been smooth sailing, with ill-discipline and comments directed at both the Spurs medical staff and Daniel Levy taking the focus away from his football.
On the pitch, however, he has been imperious, forming a formidable partnership with Van de Ven which brings the best out of him.
The recovery pace of his Dutch partner allows the Argentine to defend on the front foot, while his on-ball qualities rank close to the top in world football.
His mentality and influence on the pitch lift those around him, and Spurs must do what they can to ensure they build their team on his unique qualities.
Should Levy sign off on Romero’s exit, it could well indicate that he has no intention of keeping hold of Postecoglou.