When Timo Werner made his Spurs debut on Sunday against Manchester United, he failed to remember the pre-match custom.
The former Chelsea striker is back in the Premier League on a temporary loan, but Spurs can purchase him outright for £15.5 million.
In the 2-2 tie with United, he made his debut and contributed an assist by setting up Rodrigo Bentancur’s equalizer. Although Werner showed promise, his time at Old Trafford wasn’t exactly stellar to begin with.
Spurs players are required to participate in a pre-match huddle before each game. Introduced by Ange Postecoglou, the new manager who succeeded Antonio Conte, it serves as a symbol of solidarity and brotherhood.
Heung-Min Son, the captain, led the team huddle in front of Spurs supporters earlier this season to encourage greater participation. The Spurs players saluted the away fans in the corner on Sunday before the game started.
Then, without knowing the pregame ritual of his new squad, Werner darted out to his place down the left flank. As the last man to join the huddle, he had to be beckoned over by Richarlison and Cristian Romero.
Werner wasn’t given much credit because it was his first game and he could not have even been informed about it beforehand. However, following the conclusion of his second stint back at RB Leipzig, the 27-year-old is clearly loving his time at Spurs.
“First of all, I’m very happy to be back,” Werner told Sky Sports.
“It’s a lot of fun to play here. You see today it’s the best league with the tempo and the game. I enjoyed it very much.
“One point but in the next few days I can train more with the guys and it can go better.”
Since Spurs’ next game is a crucial FA Cup fourth round matchup against holders Manchester City, they may now enjoy a winter break.
