Tottenham news: Ange Postecoglou ‘strongly advises’ star to U-turn on summer plans | Football | Sport
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has strongly advised Cristian Romero to rest up during the latter stages of this summer rather than playing for Argentina at the Olympic Games. Romero recently made himself available to Javier Mascherano, who will lead the Albiceleste’s team to Paris.
Romero’s summer is already jam-packed as Argentina will contest the Copa America in June and July. The 25-year-old would then have a tight turnaround if he finds a way into the Olympics side, with the Games unfolding in July and August.
He recently made it clear that competing in Paris this summer is high on his priority list, telling TyC Sports: “I would like to be in the Olympic Games. I never had the chance to be there. Anything for the national team, obviously I would like to be there. If Mascherano wants to take me, I am available.”
The plans haven’t gone down particularly well with Postecoglou, who admits Romero has not spoken to him about the matter, and threatened to block his route to the Olympics by noting that clubs are not forced to let their players go.
“The Olympics is a bit of a different issue because clubs aren’t obliged to release players,” said the former Celtic boss. “Certainly from our behalf as a club, we’ll always be looking at making sure there is a balance there.
“He hasn’t spoken to me about it, no one has spoken to me about it but I guess pretty strong advice would be with the Copa America at the same time and hopefully us gearing up for a big season next year, I’d be suggesting rest is a better policy.”
“Luton have been ultra-competitive all year,” Postecoglou stated. “They’ve always, in every game, really made it hard for the opposition. I think [manager] Rob [Edwards] has done a brilliant job this year, considering all the challenges they’ve had and have currently got with injuries.
“Every game I’ve watched them, they’re always competitive, they always make it difficult for the opposition and it’ll be no different for us tomorrow and we’ve got to be ready for it.”
