Ange Postecoglou may block Argentine star from going to the Paris Olympic Games and shares pride in ‘brave’ Richarlison

Ange Postecoglou exudes a real connection and care with the players he coaches that is obvious to any football watcher. And that was again on show when speaking about the Olympic ambitions of Cristian Romero and Brazilian Richarlison’s mental health battles.

Tottenham’s Cristian Romero consoled by manager Ange Postecoglou following his substitution as a result of a concussion last year. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has revealed he will most likely block key centre-back Cristian Romero from representing Argentina at the Paris Olympics.

Romero, 25, who was part of the Argentinian side which won the World Cup, is a crucial part of Spurs backline – one Postecoglou isn’t keen on having away from the club in the lead up to next season.

The Olympics men’s football competition is an under-23s tournament – with countries allowed to select three over-age players.

Romero announced this week he had a desire to play at the Games.

Romero during an international friendly match for Argentina against Costa Rica in March. Picture: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

It would mean the defender would be going into the 2024-25 English Premier League season, which starts a week after the Olympics finish, without an off-season with the Games following the Copa America tournament.

“Olympics is a little bit of a different issue because club’s aren’t obliged to let players go to the Olympics,” Postecoglou said.

“From that perspective, we have a little bit more of a say in it than other internationals. 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.”

Postecoglou has also praised striker Richarlison for going public with his mental health issues.

The full extent of the Brazilian international’s problems became clear earlier this week following an interview with ESPN where he broke down in tears.

The former Everton forward explained how he had been in a state of “depression” after a 2022 World Cup where his country were beaten in the quarter-finals and “wanted to give up”.

Postecoglou, speaking ahead of Spurs’ Premier League game at home to Luton on Saturday, was full of admiration for Richarlison’s readiness to share the details of his condition in a bid to help other people.

“Strip it all back, they’re all just human beings,” Postecoglou said. “I haven’t spoken to Richy but Richy’s really benefited from the support that does exist. Not just for him but for others in the community. Because he’s benefited so directly, he’s taken on the responsibility of trying to share that around.

“It always makes more of an impact when it’s somebody who is high profile, who’s in a position where we think they shouldn’t really have any problems or we see it as a sign of weakness when they’re looking for help and support. It’s a credit to him.”

The Australian added: “He could have dealt with this privately obviously, but I think the public aspect of it, it’s a brave decision for him, but more importantly it’s hopefully a great conduit for others to reach out and seek help when it’s required.

“It’s a credit to Richy that he’s sought help, he’s got help, the right help and now he wants others to also benefit from it.”

Originally published as Ange Postecoglou may block Argentine star from going to the Paris Olympic Games and shares pride in ‘brave’ Richarlison