Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has praised Roberto De Zerbi as the type of attacking coach that suits his game and said he is "excited" by what lies ahead. De Zerbi took over as Tottenham's coach in March 2026, steering them to Premier League survival with a 1-0 win over Everton on the final day of the season. Maddison, who missed most of last season due to a serious knee injury, expressed his enthusiasm for the new campaign under De Zerbi.
Speaking in Sydney, Maddison highlighted De Zerbi's clear vision and passion for the game. "The manager is very clear, the goal is to be better, to play better football, to be passionate, to be proud to play for this club," Maddison said. He added that De Zerbi's attacking style is a perfect fit for his own playing approach.
Tottenham has started their pre-season tour with a 2-0 win over Auckland FC, with goals from Dane Scarlett and Richarlison. They are set to face Sydney FC and Chelsea in upcoming matches. Maddison emphasized the importance of the upcoming season, particularly their opening game against Brentford on August 22.
De Zerbi has made significant changes to the squad, including big-money signings like Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, and free transfers of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dubravka. Maddison believes these changes will help the team improve and achieve success in the new season.
The upcoming season under De Zerbi is crucial for Tottenham as they aim to build on last season's survival and push for higher league positions. Maddison's return from injury and his positive outlook under the new manager are key factors in the team's renewed optimism.
