Ange Postecoglou revealed that Cristian Romero was ‘fine’ after taking a blow to the head in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Brentford, but explained exactly why he brought the defender off.
Romero nodded Spurs into an early lead at the Gtech Community Stadium, but had to be immediately replaced after a clash of heads with Bryan Mbeumo.
Romero looked frustrated with the decision at the time, but Postecoglou was very keen to follow medical advice on this occasion – something he says he’ll continue to do as a matter of priority.
“I thought it was quite evident, he hurt his head,” the Spurs boss told Sky Sports when asked about Romero’s withdrawal.
“We’re in an era where we know about these things so I’m not a doctor and anytime that happens I think it’s really important that we protect the players. They don’t know themselves what’s going on and I had medical advice.
“No hesitation in taking him off, obviously the player wants to continue but he’s not the one who makes that decision.”
Postecoglou also revealed that Tottenham weren’t able to make an extra substitution as they filed the wrong document to confirm Davinson Sanchez – Romero’s replacement – as a concussion replacement.
He added in a later interview to the BBC: “The medical team’s information was that he wasn’t that steady and with his head after scoring, I’m not taking any risks in that scenario in this day and age and what we know of head injuries. The last person you want to be directed by is the player himself. He has no idea.
“The disappointing thing is that apparently we filled out the wrong form for a concussion sub. That is madness in this day and age.
“It is pretty clear why we took the guy off. It is black and white for us, we’re not going to take any risks with our people when we know what the repercussions are. He seems fine but the player is not the one who knows these things.”
Brentford scored a quickfire double after Romero’s replacement, with Mbeumo netting a penalty and Yoane Wissa putting the Bees 2-1 in front – but Spurs responded through Emerson Royal and settled for the 2-2 draw.
