Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has emphasised on the importance of a top 4 finish, contradicting his manager’s narrative.
Tottenham thumped Nottingham Forest 3-1 in a convincing display last Sunday in the Premier League.
The win means Spurs climb above Aston Villa and into fourth place with both sides locked on 60 points. But with a game in hand, the Lilywhites hold the advantage.
However, despite currently residing within the coveted top four, Ange Postecoglou has his sights set on a bigger picture: pushing for a mentality shift that goes beyond just securing Champions League qualification.
The Australian head coach is not satisfied with just scraping into the top four. He’s on a mission to turn Tottenham into a title contender from next season onwards.
James Maddison does not agree with Ange’s top 4 narrative
While boss Postecoglou seems to be downplaying the Champions League chase, star midfielder James Maddison does not share a similar sentiment.
The Englishman considers Champions League qualification a non-negotiable goal for Spurs this season. He acknowledges the manager’s more cautious approach but emphasises the players’ desire to be on that stage.
While Maddison expresses disappointment at the Lilywhites not being in this season’s thrilling title race, he desires to go for a title push next season. As reported by the chief football correspondent of Evening Standard Dan Kilpatrick, the attacking midfielder stated:
“I get the manager not wanting to talk about [finishing in the top four], but I am not going to lie to your face and say you don’t think about that, because we want to be in the Champions League.
“This club needs to be in the Champions League, [it’s] non-negotiable really, and that’s the aim. That’s why we’ll try to finish strong and get that.
“It’s annoying listening to three teams go at it for the title and we’re not in it.
“How exciting is the title race this season? It’s amazing, it’s brilliant for a neutral. Everyone is locked into the Premier League every week, because it’s such a good title race.
”Frustrating not to be a part of that, but we are where we are and we have our own job to do.
“I am very critical of myself. Maybe I’m not at the heights that won me player of the month at the start of the season, but I am not too far away.”
Postecoglou is trying to create a winner’s mentality
Postecoglou is attempting to build a squad capable of challenging for the crown next season, and Tottenham’s recent transfer activity suggests they are on board with this plan.
While Spurs’ form hasn’t been entirely consistent this campaign, they have shown encouraging glimpses of their ability to compete at the top level.
