Maddison calls Spurs relegation fight embarrassing
Former Norwich City player-of-the-year James Maddison has described Tottenham’s relegation battle as “a little bit embarrassing” ahead of their crucial final day fixture. Maddison, who recently returned from an ACL knee injury, featured for 21 minutes in Spurs’ 2-1 defeat at Chelsea, only his second appearance this season.
Tottenham needed a point at Stamford Bridge to send West Ham down, but the survival fight now goes to Sunday’s home game against Everton. A win or draw will guarantee Spurs’ Premier League safety. Maddison reflected on the contrast with last season when Tottenham lifted the Europa League trophy, saying a drop to the Championship would be “unthinkable”.
Maddison on fitness and role for Everton clash
Maddison spoke openly about his fitness ahead of the crunch game against Everton. He told Sky Sports: “Well, anyone who has worked in football or has been through this injury, it is not as easy just to drop back in.”
He added: “It would be catastrophic for my career if something was to happen and we weren’t safe or followed the protocols from the specialist, but obviously I want to help the team as much as I can.”
Despite feeling good, Maddison acknowledged he is not yet at his best: “Obviously I’ve been out for a long time so I’m not going to be at my fluid and fluent best, but I feel good and I’ve just got to try to help the team with whatever many minutes I can.”
He also explained why he is not starting games: “I’ve obviously had a massive injury, so it’s one of them you have to respect the injury a little bit and that’s probably why I am not starting games.”
De Zerbi confirms Maddison’s limited minutes
Tottenham’s recently-appointed manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed Maddison will be restricted to a short cameo against Everton. He said: “James Maddison can’t play more than 20 or 25, I have a medical staff behind me, I am not a doctor, I am not physical coach and I have to follow what they say.”
Maddison praised Spurs’ away support at Chelsea despite the defeat, saying: “Even at 2-0 down you could just hear them and I genuinely think we’ve got the best away support in the league. We need to repay them with a good performance and some points on Sunday to secure Premier League survival.”
According to The Pink'un, Maddison stressed the importance of the final day: “It’s non-negotiable. We have to (get over the line) for this club. We’ve got to give everything for this club, for the badge and for our fans.”