Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has voiced his enthusiasm for working under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, and is confident that the Italian’s attacking philosophy will perfectly align with his playing style as the club prepares for the new Premier League campaign.
De Zerbi, 47, assumed control in March following the departure of interim coach Igor Tudor, as he successfully steered Spurs to Premier League safety with a 17th-place finish secured by a final-day victory over Everton.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the 29-year-old midfielder Maddison explained how De Zerbi is approaching his first full season as Tottenham head coach.
“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,” he said.
Maddison elaborated on the importance of embracing the new approach.
“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.
Maddison further expressed his personal anticipation, stating: “We’re still learning the way he plays. As a player he’s a coach you want to play for because he loves everything with the ball. He’s very attacking, and I’m really excited.”
Maddison, whose previous season was curtailed by an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury, which he only returned from in the final weeks of the campaign, confirmed the immediate focus is now firmly on building momentum towards Spurs’ Premier League opener against Brentford on 22 August.
The club has already commenced its pre-season tour, securing a 2-0 victory over Auckland FC in New Zealand on Sunday. They are set to face Sydney FC on Wednesday before a clash with Chelsea in Sydney three days later.
Looking ahead, Maddison underscored the significance of the upcoming campaign: “First game of the season, Brentford — a big season for us under a new manager. 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.”
