Exclusive: ‘Maddison in Postecoglou bust-up’, Tottenham boss doesn’t like antics
Ange Postecoglou and James Maddison are thought to have had a bust-up with the Tottenham star’s on-pitch antics being called into question.
Maddison has had a difficult season in North London.
The 28-year-old recently spoke out about being the Tottenham scapegoat, with the midfielder having been in and out of the team this season.
On paper, he has been one of Spurs’ better players this season. However, at times he has been nowhere to be seen, and could get Postecoglou the sack at Spurs.
Maddison was left on the bench once again in the 2-2 Premier League draw with Bournemouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (9 March), with Gary Lineker having his say on the matter.
Lineker moots Maddison and Postecoglou bust-up at Tottenham
Speaking on The Rest is Football (10 March), Lineker suggested that a potential fall-out between Postecoglou and Maddison might be the reason the Englishman has been benched so regularly.
The ex-Tottenham striker said, “Maddison, coming off the bench again [against Bournemouth]. When he comes on, he always plays some good football, I am at a bit of a loss at what’s happened.
“I wonder whether there’s been a bit of a fallout. Maybe he’s thinking of that [Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar].”
And ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – thinks it is Maddison’s behaviour on the pitch which could be causing issues between the two.
“I think the fallout has been because he isn’t starting games and he is coming off in games,” King said.
| Tottenham 2024/25 | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| James Maddison | 36 | 10 | 7 |
“Some of Maddison’s antics, the way he goes down when people tackle him and some of his behaviour on the football field, I think Postecoglou is a bit old school and he doesn’t like to see those things.
“However, I don’t think Maddison is the only one with a problem with the manager, I think there are a few players who have problems with him, to be honest.”
Maddison and Postecoglou need to put their differences aside
Spurs are set for a make or break game as they host AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday (13 March).
Postecoglou could be sacked by Daniel Levy if Tottenham don’t overturn the one goal deficit from the first leg. Therefore, the Australian needs to put any differences he is with Maddison aside for the time being.
Whether he likes it or not, Maddison has been one of Spurs’ biggest sources of goals this season. Therefore, the Tottenham playmaker needs to start on Thursday.