James Maddison in direct clash with Postecoglou amid Tottenham woes
Tottenham suffered their 17th Premier League loss of the season to Wolves at the weekend, leaving tensions at Hotspur Way at an all-time high.
Faint glimmers of hope to turn the club’s woeful season around hinge on their upcoming second leg against Frankfurt in the Europa League, but falling outs among the squad make that an even more of an uphill task for Ange Postecoglou’s men.
The manager has come under intense outside scrutiny over the last few months, which is only heightened by the loss of confidence in his methods from inside the camp.
Maddison not always trusted
Despite Maddison being Tottenham’s most creative midfielder, and for a large part of their season their top scorer in the Premier League, he has only started 20 of the 30 league games he’s been available for, completing the full 90 minutes once.
Postecoglou has repeatedly been quoted as saying that the England international was at his best only when he feels physically 100 per cent, therefore limiting his game time and leaving the player disillusioned.
His latest frustration was clear to see as he was substituted on Sunday, with reports from The Boy Hotspur claiming he has directly clashed with the Australian.
The Tottenham news source claims that Postecoglou’s future could hinge on the Frankfurt game, with some board members pushing for his removal and other others still in support of the ex-Celtic manager.
As well as Maddison clashing with Postecoglou, it is claimed that Dejan Kulusevski is “physically exhausted” and youngster Mikey Moore has been “patronised” by Postecoglou.
Maddison key against Frankfurt
Maddison’s form has been symptomatic of the team; flourishing in a handful of games such as the 4-0 victory against Manchester City this season, but largely being a passenger in the majority of others, often cutting a disgruntled figure.
The return of Kulusevski from his foot injury will only provide further competition for his spot in the team, but it may push the former Leicester player to rediscover his best form.
Spurs will need their star players at their peak if they are to emerge victorious as they travel to Germany on Thursday.
Their performance in the 1-1 home game showed glimpses of improvement, yet their away form has been woeful, especially in Europe.
In hostile atmospheres such as Galatasaray and Alkmaar, they have crumbled, and will need their leaders, such as Maddison, to step up to the plate if they wish to progress.
Despite the clashes within the squad, Postecoglou will have to hope he can unify the team and get the best out of his players if he has any hopes of saving the season and his job when Tottenham face off with Frankfurt in a huge Europa League clash.