Tottenham midfielder James Maddison says he has huge respect for Ange Postecoglou, but has revealed how the former Spurs boss “would leave me annoyed”.
Tottenham Hotspur sacked Ange Postecoglou at the end of last season despite leading the club to Europa League glory and ending their 17-year trophy drought by beating Manchester United in Bilbao.
It was the Australian’s Premier League form that cost him his job, with Spurs finishing 17th, just outside the relegation zone after losing 22 matches.
Tottenham have tried to start this season in a stronger fashion under Thomas Frank, but inconsistency has affected their rhythm and results of late.
James Maddison on how Ange Postecoglou ‘annoyed’ him
James Maddison has missed most of the action recently due to his ACL injury, although he remains involved in football, appearing as a guest on Monday Night Football on Sky Sports.
Speaking on the show, the Tottenham midfielder acknowledged the respect he still holds for Ange Postecoglou, while also revealing how the former Spurs manager used to annoy him.
“We ended up with a trophy with him. Huge respect,” he said on Monday Night Football.
“That period was one I look back on fondly. I knew I’d scored a lot of goals and assists with the minutes I was getting (Maddison’s return of a goal/assist every 114 minutes in 24/25 was his most productive).
“But I was getting taken off a lot. That would leave me annoyed at Ange. I love him but at times, especially as an attacking player, you do not want to be brought off.
“I remember a couple of chats we had. He was honest, really straight to the point. Ultimately, it does not matter if you’re scoring – we just could not string it together as a team.”
What comes next for Tottenham under Thomas Frank
Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham will always be remembered fondly, as he ended the club’s long wait for silverware.
The Australian made a quick return to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, although that spell lasted just 39 days before he was dismissed.
Tottenham now turn to Thomas Frank, who will aim to stabilise the squad and build on Ange’s Europa League success.
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