‘Bad boy’ Romero back for Spurs
Centre-back Christian Romero returns to the heart of Tottenham Hotspur’s defence against West Ham United on Thursday with manager Ange Postecoglou saying he has spoken to the Argentinian about his discipline.
World Cup-winner Romero was shown a straight red card in a tumultuous London derby against Chelsea a month ago in which Spurs ended with nine men and lost 4-1.
Romero’s three-match suspension on top of serious injuries suffered by playmaker James Maddison and Romero’s central defensive partner Micky van de Ven proved costly for Tottenham, who have picked up one point from their past four games. “It’s great to have [Romero] back,” Postecoglou told reporters on Wednesday. “He’s the only recognised centre-back we have fit at the moment with Van de Ven, Eric Dier and Ashley Phillips out. To have him as a recognised centre-back back in the team is good. He’s a fantastic player but also a leader.”
Romero was sent off four times in 75 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham. His pedigree is not disputed, but his discipline is in question.
“That is part of how he is as a player,” said Postecoglou. “He brings physicality to the group, but obviously when he oversteps the mark that also affects the group negatively. I have had a word with him about the discipline side of things, but it is great to have him back.”
Fifth-placed Tottenham could have forward Richarlison back for the clash against West Ham. The Brazilian has recovered from a pelvic injury. Pape Matar Sarr is not quite ready, though he may return against Newcastle United on Sunday.
Postecoglou’s side snapped a three-game losing sequence with a thrilling 3-3 draw at champions Manchester City on Sunday. “We were not overjoyed in getting a draw [at City] but the manner they went about it gave them more belief in what we are trying to be,” he said. “The second-half performance showed real resilience, so it is more about the upturn in any feelings coming from that game rather than the result. We are now trying to keep focusing on hitting those levels.”
Despite recent results, the mood at Tottenham is still buoyant after Postecoglou led them to their best start after 10 games since the double-winning team of 1960-61. West Ham manager David Moyes is a fan of the Australian’s style and not surprised at the impact he had in his first season as a Premier League manager. “He’s done remarkably. Tottenham are a really good side. He’s made a big difference to what they do, how they play and the crowd and atmosphere,” said Moyes.