James Maddison reveals why he ‘loved’ being coached by former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou
Injured Tottenham star James Maddison has revealed he misses the “ups and downs” under former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou.
Injured Tottenham star James Maddison says he “loved” playing under former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou despite the “ups and downs” of the ex-Socceroos coach’s tenure at the English Premier League club.
Postecoglou’s two seasons at Spurs culminated with Europa League glory in May.
However, it wasn’t enough to spare Postecoglou from the axe, with Tottenham’s 17th-placed EPL finish last season costing him his job.
“That period under Ange was one I look back on fondly,” Maddison told Sky Sports.
The 29-year-old midfielder, who is currently sidelined after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the pre-season, went into detail about Postecoglou’s training sessions and tactics.
“We’d never have a session with Ange where the base of the session, the model, wasn’t around how we played, with fullbacks inside, wingers high and wide, not really allowed to move from the touchline, kind of fixed wingers, and then rotation from the midfield three,” he said.
“Sometimes he’s shown us clips … of the fullbacks in the No.10 positions, and maybe your No.10 and your No.8 in the fullback positions, just like rotations,
“There’s still structure, it just didn’t matter who the personnel was … and he enjoyed that. We loved playing (that way).
“You (pundits) would describe it as chaotic and entertaining, but it was really fun to play, and we ended up with a trophy under Ange, so huge respect (for him).
“I loved that little period with him. We had ups and downs. but that’s what I miss.
“That period under Ange was one I look back on fondly.”
Spurs great Jermain Defoe said everyone at Tottenham “appreciated” Postecoglou’s effort to guide the club to its first European trophy since 1984.
“He did what he said he was gong to do,” Defoe said.
Postecoglou’s stint with Tottenham was quickly followed by a forgettable spell as Nottingham Forest boss, with his winless tenure lasting just 39 days.
“Maybe he thought he had a point to prove … but managers these days don’t really get time,” Defoe said.
Danish mentor Thomas Frank took over from Postecoglou at Spurs, who are 11th on the EPL ladder with six wins from 15 games.
Ahead of their 2026-27 campaign, Spurs will travel to Australia for the Sydney Super Cup.
They will play games against fellow EPL club Chelsea (August 1, Accor Stadium) and A-League club Sydney FC (July 29, Allianz Stadium).
Chelsea will also meet A-League opposition – Western Sydney Wanderers – on July 28 at Accor Stadium.
Chelsea’s women’s team, which features Matildas pair Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter, will also tour Australia for an August 12 clash with the A-League Women’s All-Stars at Allianz Stadium.
Originally published as James Maddison reveals why he ‘loved’ being coached by former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou
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