Ange Postecoglou explains James Maddison decision after full-time gesture
Ange Postecoglou has explained why he could not bring James Maddison on sooner after leaving the attacking midfielder on the bench for a second game in a row.
Team balance was prioritised
The Tottenham head coach once again opted for a midfield trio of Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr and Dejan Kulusevski against Aston Villa, with Maddison having to be content with a place on the bench.
The Spurs head coach later explained in his post-match press conference that he needed runners in the middle of the park to be able to match the work rate of the Villa midfielders (Football.London).
Maddison was eventually introduced on 82 minutes in place of the injured Richarlison (who himself had come on as a substitute), and the England international scored a lovely freekick in stoppage time to put the icing on the cake for the home side.
Ange Postecoglou’s Maddison confession
While the decision to leave Maddison on the bench was understandable, some might have been surprised that it took so long for Postecoglou to bring on the Spurs vice-captain.
With the Lilywhites 1-0 down at half-time, many may have even wanted or expected the 27-year-old to come on in the interval.
When asked why he did not bring Maddison on sooner, the Tottenham boss told Sky Sports (via The Independent): “The game wasn’t going the way it had to go for me to bring Madders on. I say to the guys they are all there to make a contribution. Madders will be key for us.”
“The game wasn’t going the way it had to go for me to bring Madders on. I say to the guys they are all there to make a contribution. Madders will be key for us.”
Postecoglou’s full-time gesture
There was a lovely moment after the full-time whistle, with Postecoglou giving Maddison a big embrace while he whispered something in the midfielder’s ear.
One would assume it was some kind of message about there being more chances to shine in the near future. Just because he has spent the last two matches on the bench, doesn’t mean he should get comfortable there.
This shows that the Tottenham head coach continues to value the former Leicester man highly, and recognises that he is going to be a valuable player for the remainder of the season.
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