Ange Postecoglou reacts to James Maddison masterclass vs Man City
Ange Postecoglou reflects on James Maddison and his masterclass against Manchester City, hailing the midfielder’s return to form as he played a key role in Spurs’ 4-0 win against Man City.
Maddison’s struggles and Postecoglou’s tactical adjustments
James Maddison’s journey at Tottenham has been a bumpy one in recent weeks. The midfielder, who had been instrumental to Spurs early in the season, found himself in a slump, struggling to recapture the form that made him such a key figure in Ange Postecoglou’s plans.
Prior to Tottenham’s clash with Manchester City, Maddison had only played 121 minutes across Spurs’ last four Premier League fixtures. His dip in performance had led to questions about his place in the starting XI.
Spurs, too, were enduring a difficult spell, coming into the game against Manchester City, they found themselves 12th in the league, and Postecoglou was under growing pressure to find a way to reignite his team’s performances.
The suspension of Rodrigo Bentancur presented Postecoglou with an opportunity to adjust his midfield, and it was this moment that paved the way for Maddison’s return to a central role. The decision to shift Dejan Kulusevski to the wing allowed Maddison to play more centrally, and it would prove to be a tactical tweak that would significantly impact the game.
Ange Postecoglou speaks on James Maddison masterclass
Ange Postecoglou was quick to praise James Maddison for his stellar display against Manchester City. Reflecting on the match, the Spurs manager told skysports, as relayed by the BBC: “He was outstanding. You have to be against City, and Madders was great. He’s gone through a lean spell but I never doubted his ability. I thought the kind of game we were expecting would suit him.
“I thought we’d need his ability to keep the ball in tight midfield areas. I take it personally on myself if players aren’t reaching their level, that’s on me to get him back up there.”
The result spoke for itself: Maddison’s brace against Manchester City side helped Spurs secure a remarkable 4-0 win. It was a statement performance, both for Maddison and for Postecoglou, showing that their belief in one another could turn the tide in difficult circumstances.
What James Maddison resurgence means for Tottenham
While Maddison’s struggles may have been a talking point in recent weeks, his resurgence could be a turning point for Tottenham’s season. His match-winning performance highlighted not only his technical skill but also his mental resilience—a trait that Postecoglou seems intent on fostering within the squad.
If this performance is anything to go by, Maddison’s return to form could be a catalyst for a Tottenham side seeking to climb the table and reignite their campaign.
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