James Maddison explained that there were a few mitigating circumstances to Tottenham’s 1-0 loss in the first leg against AZ Alkmaar, and he believes that one huge factor could help the Lilywhites turn the tie around at home.
There has been a lot of discussion about the atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over recent days on the back of the impatient and anxious nature of the crowd during the club’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Sunday.
Ange Postecoglou has admitted that it will be of huge help to Tottenham if supporters can get behind the team against Alkmaar.
However, that statement has not gone down well with some sections of the fan base, who do not want to be told how to support their team.
James Maddison admits atmosphere could make a difference for Tottenham
Maddison has now remarked that everyone in the Tottenham dressing room is aware of what this upcoming clash means to the fans.
The attacking midfielder is optimistic that he and his teammates can overcome the 1-0 deficit if they can get the supporters behind the side.
When asked what the discussion has been among the players about the second leg, Maddison told Sky Sports: “Yeah, we know what it means to us, the fans, everyone, we’re all on the same page.
“The first leg obviously wasn’t good enough, tough conditions on a tough pitch to play the way we want to play, but it’s only 1-0, they’ve got to come to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and if the fans get behind us and have the place rocking like we know they can.”
When the 28-year-old was asked if he was sending a message to the Spurs fans, he responded: “No, I think they’ve been brilliant, especially in Europe as well, the midweek ones are tough in the middle of the week because people have lives and jobs and kids, I know all that, it doesn’t go unappreciated and unnoticed. So just more of that, more of what we’ve seen in Europe so far.
“I remember the game we played against them [AZ Alkmaar] in the group stage. We were doing pretty well, I captained the side and the atmosphere was brilliant that night, we won 1-0.
“We’re going to need more of that and we need to give them something to shout about and the lads are going to be up for it and we’re going to start fast and hopefully, we can get the job done.”
The atmosphere will depend on what the players produce
One cannot divorce the atmosphere in the stadium from the quality and the intensity of the performance that the team delivers.
If Tottenham start on the front foot and get in their opponent’s faces, there is no doubt that the fans will push the players on and make it an intimidating atmosphere for Alkmaar.
However, if the Dutch side score first, one can expect a nervy and anxious atmosphere once again, which will make life even more difficult for the Spurs players.
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