He says the manager is very clear, the goal is to be betterTottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison is excited by the new season under coach Roberto De Zerbi. Photo: AFPTottenham midfielder James Maddison on Tuesday praised Roberto De Zerbi as the type of attacking coach that suited his game and said he was "excited" by what lay ahead. Italy's De Zerbi took over from sacked interim boss Igor Tudor in March when Tottenham were winless in the Premier League in 2026. But as a player, he's a coach you want to play for because he loves everything with the ball. We want to have a successful season," added Maddison of their opening Premier League game on August 22.