James Maddison reveals Roberto De Zerbi’s clear message to Tottenham squad
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison says new manager Roberto De Zerbi has delivered a clear message to improve and play passionate football ahead of the Premier League season.
The Italian coach took charge of the north London club in March following the departure of interim boss Igor Tudor.
De Zerbi successfully guided Spurs to top-flight safety last season, securing a 17th-place finish with a crucial final-day victory over Everton.
Embracing an attacking philosophy
Speaking during the club’s pre-season tour, the 29-year-old playmaker explained how the head coach is approaching his first full campaign.
“The manager is very clear, the goals are to be better, to play better football, to be passionate and to be proud to play for this club,” Maddison said.
The English international emphasised the importance of trusting the tactician’s principles to achieve long-term success.
“If we listen to his style, principles, if we keep the short-term targets of trying to be better and trying to implement the way he’ll play, the long-term targets will be better in the long run,” he added.
Injury return and pre-season momentum
The creative midfielder is relishing the prospect of a possession-based system after missing a significant portion of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
“We’re still learning the way he plays, but as a player he’s a coach you want to play for because he loves everything with the ball,” Maddison stated.
“He’s very attacking, and I’m really excited.”
Having only returned to action in the closing weeks of the previous campaign, the former Leicester man is now entirely focused on building his match fitness.
Tottenham have already begun their pre-season preparations, securing a 2-0 victory over Auckland FC in New Zealand on Sunday.
Targeting opening day success
The squad will face Sydney FC on Wednesday before concluding the oceanic leg of their tour against Chelsea three days later.
The immediate objective is generating momentum ahead of their Premier League opener against Brentford on 22 August.
Maddison acknowledged that the team must significantly improve upon their recent struggles to ensure a positive year.
“First game of the season, Brentford – a big season for us under a new manager,” he said.
“We want to have a successful season, we need to be better than the last couple of seasons, so it’s kind of all just preparation leading to that first game.”