James Maddison reveals mixed emotions on ‘amazing’ Premier League title race
Tottenham could play huge role in title race with games against Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City still to come
James Maddison unbothered by Spurs’ impact on who wins Premier League but wants to fight for title next season
Midfielder also determined to secure Champions League football despite Ange Postecoglou’s warnings
when asked if he relishes the role as potential kingmakers in this year’s race, Maddison replied: “I’ve got no interest, to be honest. We’ve got our own aspirations, our own goals for the season and I’m not bothered. If we end up winning games against teams that are in that race, it makes no difference. We’ve got a job to do.”
Postecoglou has routinely stressed he is more focused on the development of his young team rather than an obsession to reach the Champions League, but Maddison admitted it is a personal motivation of his to play in the competition.
“I completely get the manager not wanting to talk about it but I am not going to lie to your face and say you don’t think about that, because we want to be in the Champions League,” he said. “This club needs to be in the Champions League, non-negotiable really and that’s the aim. That’s why we’ll try to finish strong and get that. That’s the goal for me.”
James Maddison has issued a show of support to the England Euro 2024 squad, declaring immense pride despite the heart-wrenching defeat to Spain in the final in Berlin.
The Three Lions, who had a rocky start to the tournament, managed to claw their way to the much-anticipated final in Berlin, only to be narrowly defeated 2-1 by Spain with a late goal in the 86th minute from Mikel Oyarzabal.
Critics have been quick to take fire at the team and manager Gareth Southgate after England endured yet more heartbreak in a European Championship final. However, Maddison took to social media to stand by his team-mates after being left out in the cold for the Euros.
On Instagram, he said: “So proud of that group of lads. Fell at the last hurdle but doesn’t take away the amazing moments this group the country once again [love heart emoji].”
Despite being a key player for Tottenham last season, 27-year-old Maddison was among those cut from England’s 33-man provisional squad.
England’s journey in the tournament was fraught with challenges, having secured only one victory in the group stage and nearly facing a humiliating departure in the round of 16 against Slovakia, saved in the nick of time by Jude Bellingham.
As the dust settles on yet another near miss three years after the agony of the Euro 2020 final penalty shootout, questions linger over Southgate’s future as England manager.
Southgate, whose current deal is due to expire later this year, did not reveal any plans over his future when he spoke after the final. He commented: “Now is not the time for me to discuss that. I understand the question of course, but I need to speak to the right people – we will go from there.
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