Cristian Romero could be blocked from Olympic Games, admits Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou has admitted that Tottenham may block Cristian Romero from playing at the Olympics. The Argentine was keen on playing for his nation in France after appearing at the Copa America.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Postecoglou stated that the Olympic games would see the defender the entire pre-season schedule as the final is just a week before the first match of the Premier League season.

The Tottenham manager said:

“Olympics is a little bit of a different issue because clubs aren’t obliged to let players go to the Olympics. 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.”

He added:

“I guess with all these decisions there’s always going to be conjecture and scrutiny around why they’re made. But from our perspective, like any club, you weigh up the benefits and costs of doing something. For one reason or another, we haven’t had a lot of games this year and there was a unique opportunity for us to have a game at the end of the year. I’m obviously part of that discussion and we are mindful of the players and the schedule. We weighed it all up and thought it was going to be really beneficial for us as a football club, and we’ve gone that way.”

Tottenham have so far confirmed one post-season friendly against Newcastle in Melbourne.

Cristian Romero wants to play at the Olympics

Cristian Romero has admitted that he wants to represent his country at the Olympics this summer. The defender added that he would always be available for the national team and wants to make his debut in the Paris Games.

He told TyC Sports:

“I would like to be in the Olympic Games. I never had the chance to be there. Anything for the national team, obviously I would like to be there. If [Javier] Mascherano wants to take me, I am available.”

Copa America also takes place this summer, where Argentina are defending their title. The Olympics start in July and finish in August.