Maddison Aims to Inspire Spurs to Europa League Final
Maddison Aims to Inspire Spurs to Europa League Final
Leadership and positivity key to inspire young Spurs
He outlined his approach: creating a “good atmosphere” within the squad
With Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League aspirations all but extinguished, James Maddison has called upon his experience and leadership to steer Spurs towards a memorable Europa League final.
Europe Offers Redemption for Spurs
After four disappointing domestic fixtures remain, Tottenham’s focus has shifted exclusively to European glory. “When you look back on your career, very few players reach a European semi-final – maybe once or twice if you’re lucky,”
Maddison reflected. “We must seize this moment. We’re in the last four of a massive competition and deserve to be here. It’s a challenge we will relish.”
He emphasised that, despite the “lame” Premier League campaign, Spurs have a “truly special opportunity” to finish the season on a high by overcoming Bodø/Glimt and then facing either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao in the final.
Under the lights in Lilywhite 🤍
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 1, 2025
It's semi-final matchday in N17 👊 pic.twitter.com/Rbs12MozEQ
Leadership and Positivity Key to Success
Maddison, who lifted the FA Cup and Premier League titles with Leicester City, acknowledged his duty to support Tottenham’s youthful core. “Losing 5–1 is embarrassing and hurts – especially when Liverpool clinch the title on the same day,” he admitted.
“My job as an experienced player is to accept the defeat, but not dwell on it. We need positivity and balance to prepare for Thursday.”
He outlined his approach: creating a “good atmosphere” within the squad, using humour and camaraderie to ensure that young teammates step onto the pitch confident and ready to perform.
Drawing on Past European Heartbreak
The England international also drew parallels with Leicester’s 2022 Conference League semi-final exit to Roma.
“I was so close to a European final with Leicester, and I only now understand the magnitude of that near miss,”
Maddison said. “That pain fuels my motivation. We cannot leave any detail to chance.”
His comments underlined a personal quest for redemption and a collective determination to prevent history repeating itself.
Tottenham’s midfield will pivot around Maddison’s creativity and composure as they aim to break a run of European semi-final disappointments stretching back over a decade.
Looking Ahead
Spurs travel to the Arctic Circle on Thursday for the first leg, before returning to a sold-out Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the second leg next week.
Maddison’s blend of technical brilliance and leadership could prove decisive as Ange Postecoglou’s men bid to lift their first major trophy since 2008 and secure a return to next season’s Champions League via a triumphant Europa League campaign.
