The Tottenham transfer question Postecoglou does not ask as he drops Romero and Van de Ven hint

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Ange Postecoglou has stated that Tottenham are "playing with fire" by not bringing any further additions in during the January transfer market. A pivotal month for the football club with new signings needing to be finalised amid a host of injuries to key players, Spurs have only signed Antonin Kinsky so far in the winter market.

Tottenham are crying out for centre-back reinforcements and Postecoglou made it clear prior to Dominic Solanke's injury that he would like a new attacker to arrive. With just over a week left in the January transfer window, Spurs still remain very quiet and supporters are keeping their fingers tightly crossed that new players do arrive before the deadline on Monday, February 3.

Ahead of this weekend's game against Leicester City, Postecoglou was asked if there is any money for the club to spend and he made indicated that is not something he is involved in.

"I don't ask those questions. It's not something I'm involved in, it's not something I have exposure to," he admitted. "My discussions with Johan [Lange] and the club have been about trying to get some help for the players and I'll let them do their jobs."

When pressed on why the club have not made additional January signings, he added: "There's not a lot more depth I can give. I've still got to manage this team and get them ready. We got back at 2am last night. I'm not out there trying to find opportunities for the club, that's not my role at this time. There isn't time to do it.

"I have daily communication with Johan in particular and he's trying everything he possibly can to get the help we need. I don't think I'm stating anything other than the obvious and for me to come here and say something else would be disingenuous: this playing group needs help, there's no doubt about that. We're sort of playing with fire by not bringing anyone in. But the flip side of that is the club is trying to change that situation."

While supporters will be hoping for a boost on the transfer front over the next week or so to bolster the squad, the numbers available to Postecoglou could increase very soon with the return of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. The boss has hinted that the duo could be available at the beginning of February when Tottenham face Liverpool in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final and then Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup three days later.

"Of the long-terms, they are the only two, Micky and Romero, who have a chance of that week. But we've still got sort of 12 days or something," he said. "Part of that process is to see how they cope with training over the next week or so. Both of them are scheduled around that sort of time to be available."

Prior to the pair returning, Postecoglou will need his senior players to deliver big performances to ensure Tottenham secure a top-eight finish in the Europa League and also climb up the Premier League table. Vice-captain James Maddison was excellent in Thursday's 3-2 win at Hoffenheim, with the midfielder duly coming in for plenty of praise from his boss.

“Look, Madders was great last night. I think he enjoys having that responsibility," he said on the player's leadership role. "Again, it’s been a gripe for him as well because with the team and the way it’s going at the moment, he’s another one I have tried to manage him as best as I can, (rather than) him play every game.

"Creative players are always better when they are fresh. He’s still churning out really good performances. Against Everton he was really disappointed but he worked his socks off. It wasn’t for the wont of trying.

"With Madders, it’s always moments. The moments last night – he was clinical. Against Everton maybe there were moments when he wasn’t as clinical but that could be just because of the fatigue he feels. He’s another one that is pushing through. He is not making excuses, he’s taking on that responsibility. I thought he was very good last night.”

Son Heung-min also did likewise with a double against the German opposition. The South Korean ace did appear to raise his finger to his lips after netting his second goal of the evening, with Postecoglou asked about that celebration and any potential issue given the captain's gesture.

“Mate, goal celebrations on my list of things that in my brain space right now, it’s non-existent. Non-existent, yeah," responded the 59-year-old.

Following a dreadful run of form in recent weeks at a time when the team are trying to deal with a mountain of injuries, the victory in Hoffenheim was certainly welcome and one that could potentially give the team a big boost ahead of some key fixtures. Having to dig in together to get Tottenham over the line, Postecoglou senses a growing bond between the players.

"Yes - they’ve had to kind of bandy together and not make excuses," he said. "They’ve been fronting up and doing the best for their club. And I think they all sense the opportunity.

"We’re deep in one competition, we’re in the knockout stages of another and further along in the FA Cup. It’s not like it’s just the league and we have to get some results in the league to brighten us up. We need to get some results in the league because where we are is unacceptable. But there is still plenty to play for and it’s exciting.

"I think they all sense that as well and they want us to get through this period so we can tackle the exciting part of the season in the best shape possible."

The fans also have an important run to play in the weeks ahead as Tottenham battle on four fronts. Postecoglou emphasised the importance of supporters in this crucial period, especially at a time when results have been so up and down.

"Absolutely we do. we’re putting them through a tough time," confessed the boss. "Yeah in the league but we did beat Liverpool not that long ago at home and the atmosphere was brilliant.

"They play their part - I thought the fans were great last night to help the players on. Most fans understand the situation that we are in and they are probably not happy with but they can probably see the potential. Our job is to try and produce consistency in our league performances that hopefully alleviates some of the negativeness around the club at the moment. Hopefully we can look forward to an exciting few months ahead."

Although Tottenham's season may not have gone to plan with the team currently 15th in the Premier League table after a dismal run of form, Postecoglou stated: "I am absolutely 100 per cent confident that we are in a much better place in all areas of the club today than we were when I started". The Australian went into a bit more depth regarding his answer and gave an honest verdict.

“Absolutely in all areas. They haven’t all been my decisions but when I look at the club now to where it was, yeah absolutely," explained the former Celtic boss. "It had to change otherwise…I didn’t come into a club that had years of success. So you either change or you keep doing what you are doing.

"My brief was to come in and change things. That is what I have done. Like I said, I am a really firm believer that we are in better shape. I think the squad that I inherited needed to change because a lot of the experienced players were coming to an end or time to move on. So that had to change.

"I think the squad we have got together now, they are an exciting squad and when they are all fit, I think the club will benefit, not just this year but for many years to come. We have some outstanding people that have come into the club in all areas, in every facet that I think will contribute to this club being successful in the future. I firmly believe that.

"Now, the only evidence that most people want to look at is where we are right now in terms of our performances, particularly in the league. But from my perspective as somebody who walked into a club that wanted change and needed change, I have no doubt we are in a much better place for what the club needs for success."

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