Tottenham Hotspur’s defender Radu Dragusin’s agent, Florin Manea, has expressed his dissatisfaction with manager Ange Postecoglou’s tactics and has warned that Dragusin may seek a move away from the club if he does not receive more playing time. Manea believes that Dragusin’s inclusion in the starting lineup would help address Spurs’ issues with conceding goals from set-pieces.
Manea’s criticism stems from Postecoglou’s preference for a formation without a three-man defense, despite Tottenham’s vulnerability to goals from set plays. Manea argues that playing with three center-backs provides more defensive security and highlights Dragusin’s aerial prowess as a key asset in this regard. He points out that during Dragusin’s time at Genoa, the defender consistently won headers and believes that his presence in the team would be beneficial.
Despite Tottenham fending off competition from Napoli and Bayern Munich to sign Dragusin for £21.5m in January, the 22-year-old has only started two Premier League games and appeared as a substitute in four others. Manea emphasizes that if Postecoglou views Dragusin as merely an alternative to other center-backs, the player will not be content sitting on the bench. Manea suggests that if Dragusin continues to be overlooked, they may have to explore other options.
Tottenham’s defensive struggles have been evident throughout the season, particularly in dealing with set-pieces. The team has conceded 22 goals from set plays in the Premier League, the third-highest in the league behind Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest. This weakness poses a significant challenge for Spurs heading into their upcoming match against Liverpool.
The team’s defensive frailties have been a major factor in their recent poor run of form, having lost their last three league matches. A defeat against Liverpool would see Tottenham equal their worst run of six consecutive league defeats since October and November 2004. Postecoglou has acknowledged the lack of belief and conviction within the squad but remains focused on the long-term process of building a solid foundation for success.
In conclusion, Dragusin’s agent’s criticism of Postecoglou’s tactics sheds light on Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in dealing with set-pieces. The agent’s comments highlight the importance of Dragusin’s aerial ability and suggest that his inclusion in the starting lineup could help address these issues. With Tottenham’s recent poor form and defensive struggles, it remains to be seen how Postecoglou will respond and whether Dragusin will receive more opportunities to prove himself on the pitch.