by Ange Postecoglou hopes to see Tottenham vice-captain James Maddison step up again with more ‘moments’ in Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash with former club Leicester.
Spurs were without 14 players for Thursday’s trip to Hoffenheim due to a combination of injuries and ineligibility, but Maddison scored and allowed Son Heung-min to help inspire a well-deserved 3-2 victory outside.
Tottenham’s injury crisis has seen them fall to 15th in the Premier League – amid a run of five defeats in their last six matches in the division – and yet under-pressure boss Postecoglou has guided them towards the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and guaranteed a Europe. Direct elimination place in the championship.
Maddison’s fine goal in Germany ended a run of six games without a goal and he will be aiming to come out on top against former side Leicester, who have lost seven league games in a row.
Postecoglou said: “Madders were great (against Hoffenheim). I think he likes having this responsibility.
“Again, it was a criticism for him too, because with the team and the way it’s going at the moment, it’s another one that I tried to manage as best as I can, (rather que) that he plays in every match.
“Creative players are always better when they are fresh. He always performs very well. Against Everton (3-2 defeat), he was really disappointed but he worked hard. It wasn’t for lack of trying.
“With Madders, there are always moments. The moments (against Hoffenheim) – it was clinical. Against Everton there may have been times where he wasn’t as clinical, but that could just be because of the fatigue he’s feeling.
“He’s another one who succeeds. He doesn’t make excuses, he takes responsibility.
Maddison is among a limited number of experienced players still available for Postecoglou, who saw Tottenham finish with five teenagers in the midweek success in Germany.
Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have come up repeatedly for Spurs in recent weeks and could be required against the Foxes, with major doubts over Djed Spence, Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma.
Although Postecoglou believes his young team will be better after this difficult experience, he is well aware that they must progress in the rankings.
“They have been at the forefront and doing their best for their club and I think they all sense the opportunity,” the 59-year-old said.
“We’re deep in one competition, we’re in the last 16 of another and further along in the FA Cup.
“It’s not like it’s all about the championship and we need to get league results to cheer us up. We need to get results in the league because the situation we are in is unacceptable, but there is still a lot to play for and that is exciting.
“I think they all feel it too and they want us to get through this period so that we can approach the exciting part of the season in the best possible shape.”
Tottenham’s immediate target is Sunday, where they will aim to record a first home league win since November 3 and Postecoglou knows the role fans can play.
He admitted: “We’re putting them through a tough time!
“We beat Liverpool (in the Carabao Cup) not too long ago at home and the atmosphere was great.
“They play their role – I thought the fans were great (Thursday) in helping the players. Most fans understand the situation we’re in and they’re probably not happy with it, but they can probably see the potential.
“They can definitely give the players a bit of energy and hopefully – with a really good atmosphere – we can rise to the challenge.”
