Football | Premier League
“Disgraceful” – Cristian Romero delivers brutal verdict on Tottenham Hotspur’s lack of squad depth
Cristian Romero has once again aimed a subtle but pointed jab at Tottenham Hotspur — this time criticising what he described as the club’s “disgraceful” squad depth.
The Spurs captain voiced his frustration on social media following the 2–2 draw with Manchester City, a match in which he played only the first half before being withdrawn at the interval due to illness.
Posting on Instagram, the World Cup winner praised his teammates for their effort but made it clear he was unhappy with the limited options available to the squad.
“Great effort from everyone yesterday, they were incredible,” Romero wrote. “I wanted to be there to help even though I wasn’t feeling well, especially because we only had 11 players available — unbelievable, but true, and disgraceful.”
He added that the team must continue to take responsibility, stay united and keep working hard to turn their season around, while also thanking the supporters for their unwavering backing.
Against City, Spurs boss Thomas Frank was forced to name just four senior outfield players on the bench. Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, Pape Matar Sarr and 17-year-old Jun’ai Byfield were all introduced during the match.
Sarr replaced Romero at half-time, with Frank later confirming the Argentine was suffering from illness. The manager revealed Romero had also struggled physically in the previous game but had pushed through with what he described as a “fantastic captain’s performance.”
After Romero’s withdrawal, Frank reshuffled his defence by moving João Palhinha into the back line alongside Radu Drăgușin, who was making his first start in over a year following a serious knee injury.
Romero’s comments are the latest in a series of public criticisms aimed at Tottenham’s hierarchy. After a 3–2 defeat to Bournemouth in January, he questioned why club officials remained silent during difficult moments, leaving players to face scrutiny alone.
“At times like this, others should come out and speak, but they don’t — as has been the case for years,” Romero wrote at the time, later deleting a line accusing figures at the club of “telling a few lies.”
The defender has previously criticised Tottenham’s leadership as far back as 2021, when he highlighted the club’s lack of spending compared to their Premier League rivals.