Ange Postecoglou addresses Timo Werner's Tottenham future after tearing attacker to shreds for 'unacceptable' performance against Rangers

Postecoglou publicly slammed the Germany international for his display in the Europa League draw against Rangers on Thursday, saying Werner did not play "anywhere near the level he should", and that his first-half display "wasn’t acceptable".

Postecoglou defended his comments the following day as he denied criticising the 28-year-old, insisting it was merely an "assessment" of his display. Werner joined Tottenham in January on a loan deal that was later extended until the end of the current campaign. He has started just eight matches in all competitions, however, and his Australian coach's fury sparked suggestions he could be sent back to RB Leipzig earlier than expected.

Asked if Werner could return to Leipzig next month, Postecoglou told reporters: "Right now that is the furthest thing from my mind. I’m just not interested in what happens next. I’m interested in what happens now. Now is the time we have an opportunity. In these next five games between now and New Year we can set up our season.

"[Against Rangers] was a great point for us because it sets us up for Europe, so we know we’re going to make the knockout stages. Now we have four league games to get ourselves back up the ladder and make an impact."

Tottenham, who have not won any of the five games they have played since they beat Manchester City 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium, take on Southampton on Sunday. Werner will hope he can restore some confidence by scoring against the Premier League's bottom team.