Maddison: Tottenham behind Postecoglou and ready to turn season around

James Maddison insists Tottenham’s players are united behind under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou and believe they can still salvage the season.

Spurs sit 16th in the Premier League after a poor domestic campaign, with pressure mounting on Postecoglou despite a strong run in Europe. The North London club are without a trophy for 17 years and host Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.

Attacking midfielder Maddison, 28, admitted the league form has been “unacceptable” but dismissed speculation over the manager’s future as unhelpful.

“We are behind the manager 100%,” Maddison said. “I think he’s a great man. We’ve had a poor season, especially in the league, but we’ve been very good in Europe.

“He’s my manager, my gaffer, and I respect him an awful lot. The narrative around his job is not healthy. We see the lads taking on his messages every day. We’re in a great position in Europe and can still make this a special season under his leadership.”

Spurs will be without captain Son Heung-min for Thursday’s clash due to a foot injury, but Maddison is confident the team will rise to the occasion.

“It’s huge,” he added. “Not many players get to play in European semi-finals. We’ve earned this and deserve to be here.

“There’s been a lot of talk about poor form, but we’ve got a chance to do something very special, and it’s a challenge we’re going to relish.”

Tottenham are aiming to reach their first European final since their 2019 Champions League loss to Liverpool.