Cristian Romero, the Argentine defender for Tottenham Hotspur, recently stirred controversy by retweeting a post that criticized the club’s travel arrangements for players returning from international duty. This incident followed Tottenham’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the North London derby, where Romero was notably at fault for the only goal of the match.
Key Takeaways
- Cristian Romero retweeted a post criticizing Tottenham’s travel logistics.
- The post claimed Spurs players returned from international duty without proper arrangements, leading to fatigue.
- Romero’s retweet was quickly deleted, but it sparked discussions about the club’s travel policies.
- Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, defended the team’s performance and travel decisions.
Romero’s retweet came after a journalist highlighted that Tottenham was the only Premier League club that did not arrange private flights for its players returning from international duty. The post suggested that this lack of organization gave Arsenal an advantage, as their players arrived back with more rest. Romero, who had played in Argentina’s recent World Cup qualifier against Colombia, appeared to express his frustration over the situation, especially after being outperformed by Arsenal’s Gabriel during a crucial set-piece.
The Argentine international’s retweet read: "Tottenham lost to Arsenal again. They weren’t able to fight until the end because they weren’t across the details. It was the only Premier League club that made their international players return, on their own and without proper logistics. They gave away the advantage because their players arrived with less rest than the others: Cuti Romero played with tiredness."
Despite the criticism, Tottenham’s management felt that the travel arrangements were adequate, especially since Thursday was designated as a day off for the players. Postecoglou stated that the club would provide travel for international players if deemed necessary, but in this instance, they did not see the need.
Postecoglou’s Defense
- Postecoglou defended his team’s performance, stating that they had opportunities but failed to convert them into goals.
- He acknowledged the team’s struggles with set-pieces but emphasized that it was a collective issue, not solely Romero’s fault.
- The manager reiterated that the team works on set-pieces regularly, despite criticism regarding their effectiveness.
Romero’s quick deletion of the retweet suggests that he may have realized the potential backlash from fans and management alike. The incident has raised questions about Tottenham’s travel policies and whether they adequately support players returning from international duty.
Implications for Tottenham
- The incident highlights the ongoing challenges Tottenham faces in maintaining player morale and performance.
- It raises concerns about the club’s logistics and whether they are doing enough to ensure players are well-rested and prepared for crucial matches.
- The North London derby loss marks another setback for Tottenham, who are under pressure to perform this season.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how Tottenham will address these logistical concerns and whether Romero’s comments will lead to any changes in their travel policies. The club’s ability to adapt and support its players will be crucial in their pursuit of success in the Premier League.
Sources
- Cristian Romero retweets post hitting out at Tottenham for not flying players back from international duty on a private jet after the Spurs defender was at fault for Arsenal’s winner in derby | Daily Mail Online, Daily Mail.
- Fuming Cristian Romero reposts tweet blaming Tottenham for refusing to arrange private jet before derby loss to Arsenal | The Sun, The Sun.