James Maddison says Tottenham’s team is “100%” behind director Ange Postecoglou and can still turn his season into “something very special”.
The Spurs is in the 16th place on the premiere League table after an unpleasant domestic campaign and the pressure is increasing in Postecogou despite their contrasting fortunes in Europe.
The Northern London Club, which has not won a trophy in 17 years, welcomes the Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt on Thursday in the first stage of its Semi -final of the Europa League.
The 28 -year -old midfielder Maddison acknowledges the disappointing season of the club, but says the narrative surrounding the manager is not “healthy”.
“We are behind the manager 100%,” Maddison said. “I think he’s a great man. We had a poor season, especially in the league. We were very good in Europe, but the league season was unacceptable.
“It’s my manager, it’s my gaffer and I respect a terrible amount. The narration (from Postecoglou’s work is threatening) is something that players try to keep away because it is not healthy.
“I just know I go into work every day and see the boys listening to and taking the messages on how you want us to play and do our best for this club and we are in a good position in Europe, where we can still have a special season under their direction.
“I will keep doing that until the day you are not here.”
Spurs will run out of Captain Son Heung-Min, who is not available with an injury to the foot, against Bodo/Glimt, but Maddison says the club is going to “appreciate the challenge” of reaching a first European final since they were hit by Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League Showpiece.
“It’s huge,” added the midfielder of England.
“When you get to the end of your career and look back, there’s not many times a player has been in European semi -finals. Maybe once or twice if you’re lucky.
“We need to use it. We’re in the Final Four in a massive competition in Europe and the USA that also has a great draw on Thursday and in Bodo.
“We have a real special opportunity. Obviously there has been a lot of talk of form and being a poor season, but we have the opportunity to do something very special.
“We won it and deserve to be here. It’s a challenge we’re going to thank.”