Maddison credits family and De Zerbi’s integration strategy during ACL recovery
The Tottenham midfielder describes how his growing family and the Italian coach’s early inclusion tactics helped navigate a prolonged absence and a difficult campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has outlined the dual support systems that aided his recovery from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, citing both his expanding family and the tactical integration strategies of head coach Roberto de Zerbi. The 29-year-old missed the majority of the 2025-26 season due to the injury sustained in August, a period he described as the toughest of his life.
Maddison noted that the birth of a second set of twins during his rehabilitation provided a necessary positive distraction. With five children aged four and under, he stated that the demands of domestic life allowed him to focus on his partner and family rather than his own physical trauma. He acknowledged that his eldest son, Leo, briefly assumed he had left the club due to the length of his absence, highlighting the personal cost of a 375-day spell on the sidelines.
On the institutional front, Maddison praised De Zerbi, who assumed the head coaching role in March 2025, for his approach to squad morale. The Italian coach reportedly organised a team meal where alcohol was permitted, aiming to relax the group and foster a sense of unity. Maddison observed that this initiative helped the squad feel "knitted together" at a critical juncture in the season.
A key aspect of De Zerbi’s management was his decision to place Maddison on the matchday bench early in his tenure, despite the midfielder’s ongoing recovery. De Zerbi told Maddison he could attend in his slippers if he wished, prioritising his presence within the group over immediate physical readiness. Maddison interpreted this as a significant gesture of inclusion, which he believes contributed to the team’s ability to secure survival on the final day of the season, finishing two points above the relegation zone.
Maddison returned to action against Leeds United on 11 May but has not been risked in pre-season fixtures to date. He remains confident in his fitness trajectory, stating he is working towards being fully available for the upcoming campaign. The interview was conducted by Kelly Somers for the new season of The Football Interview, available on BBC One and iPlayer from 22 August.
