James Maddison pays tribute to Spurs supporters after season of ‘hurt’ but backs ‘great man’ Postecoglou to turn it around | OneFootball

James Maddison says he and his Tottenham team-mates are feeling “hurt” by the club’s disappointing Premier League campaign and wants to reward the fans for their support by winning the Europa League.

Spurs host Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday having lost 5-1 to Liverpool on Sunday, the latest defeat in what has been a dire domestic season for the club.

They sit 16th in the Premier League at present but Maddison gave a powerful message to the club’s supporters ahead of their huge European clash.

“We definitely want to reward them for the support that they give us by creating something special because the league hasn’t been good enough,” he said.

“But it hurts us as well. Yes it’s us players out there and we take responsibility for that but it hurts me a lot that we’re having a poor season.

“But this is why we’re so motivated for this competition because the season can be so special. You lot talk all the time about Tottenham being without silverware for however many years it is but we’re in the last four and we’ve got a great opportunity in this competition that we’ve been pretty solid in this year.

“At the end of games when we’ve lost again and you go over because you want to thank them for the support, I know they don’t want to hear it from us. Even this press conference and the interview on Sunday. They’re not really that bothered because words are just words.

“But it hurts and we’re trying to put it right. I think that’s the main thing, that the hunger is there. It doesn’t always work how you want it to, that’s just life, but this is a unique situation that we’re in in the last four in Europe where we can go and reward them for the support.

“We are very grateful that they still, even in the league position we’re in and have nothing to play for, they’re still selling out Liverpool away and we do appreciate that.

“I guess the message I’m trying to get across is we’re not satisfied as well. We’re in this together.”

Tottenham’s league form has seen boss Ange Postecoglou come under increasing pressure this season but Maddison paid tribute to him ahead of facing Bodo/Glimt.

“We’re behind the manager 100%,” he said.

“I think he’s a great man. He’s the first to tell you and I’ve heard it myself that we’ve had a poor season, especially in the league.

“We’ve been very good in Europe but the league season has probably been unacceptable and we can all take collective responsibility for that.

“But he’s my manager, he’s my gaffer, I respect him an awful amount and the narrative is something we players try and keep away from because it’s not healthy to read into what you lot are talking about the manager’s position.

“I just know that I come into work every day and I see the lads listening and taking on the messages of how he wants to play and the coaches and trying to do what’s best for this club.

“We’re in a very good position in Europe where we can still have a special season under his management. So I’ll continue to do that (support him) until the day he isn’t here.”