James Maddison fully supports Ange Postecoglou. The attacking midfielder of Tottenham Hotspur knows that his team is having an unacceptable season in the league, but he is convinced that the year can still be special thanks to their performances in the Europa League.
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Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in an unfamiliar and deeply disappointing position in the Premier League table.
Sitting in 16th place, the club has endured a turbulent domestic campaign filled with inconsistency, injuries, and underwhelming performances. For a club that began the season with high hopes under new manager Ange Postecoglou, the current state of affairs in the league is far below expectations. Few could have imagined this scenario unfolding in North London, especially after a promising start in the early weeks of the campaign.
Despite the domestic struggles, Spurs have been able to shift focus to the continental stage, where they have defied expectations and built a strong case for European glory. The club’s performances in the Europa League have been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise frustrating season. Having successfully navigated a challenging group stage and a difficult knockout path, Tottenham now find themselves in the semi-finals of the competition, just two matches away from a place in the final and a potential trophy that could rescue their season.
Their opponents in the semi-final are FK Bodø/Glimt, the rising Norwegian side that has made waves in European football over the past few years. Known for their fearless attacking football and well-drilled squad, Bodø/Glimt are not to be underestimated. However, Tottenham will be clear favourites going into the two-legged tie, with the first leg set to take place on Thursday, May 1, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00, and a strong result at home could prove crucial in setting the tone for the return leg in Norway.
Ahead of the match, James Maddison was one of the players who stepped forward to speak to the media. The attacking midfielder has had his own battles with form and fitness this season but remains a key figure in the dressing room. Asked about the pressure on the team and the role of the manager, Maddison offered a firm and heartfelt defense of Postecoglou.
“We stand behind the manager, one hundred percent,” Maddison said. “He’s the first to tell us how important the league is. We’re doing well in Europe, but our Premier League season is unacceptable, and we all take responsibility for that.”
Maddison’s comments highlight a sense of accountability within the squad, a recognition that despite the manager’s efforts, the players must also step up. “I know that when I come to work, the coach sees what’s best for the club,” he continued. “We can still have a special season, and that’s also because of his management. I rate him highly, I respect him.”
There has been speculation in recent weeks about dressing room unrest and doubts over Postecoglou’s long-term fit for the club, but Maddison’s words seem to dismiss those rumours. The message from within the camp is clear: the squad remains united, and there is still something worth fighting for this season.
Indeed, winning the Europa League would be a monumental achievement for Tottenham. Not only would it bring long-awaited silverware to the club, but it would also secure a place in next season’s Champions League a vital incentive, especially given their league struggles. It would offer a sense of redemption, a chance to rewrite the narrative of a campaign that has largely been viewed through the lens of disappointment.
For fans, Thursday night’s match is more than just a semi-final it’s a chance to believe again. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is expected to be electric, with supporters eager to push their team one step closer to a major European final. With players like Maddison, Son Heung-min, and Cristian Romero in the lineup, Spurs have the talent and experience to deliver a commanding performance.
FK Bodø/Glimt, however, will arrive in London with ambition of their own. The Norwegian side has knocked out bigger clubs before, and they will be looking to make another statement by upsetting one of England’s traditional powerhouses. Tottenham must remain focused and disciplined, particularly in defence, and make the most of their home advantage before traveling to Norway for the second leg.
As the season nears its end, Tottenham’s Europa League journey represents a rare opportunity for redemption one that the players, coaching staff, and fans will be desperate to seize. While the Premier League campaign may be lost, European success could still turn this into a season to remember.
Updated: 04:06, 30 Apr 2025
