‘It’s painful to say’: James Maddison admits he is EMBARASSED by Leicester’s league position with the Foxes rooted to the bottom of the Premier League… as the playmaker insists he is DESPERATE for an England chance, despite not playing in three years
The current state of Leicester City Football Club is a far cry from the glory days of winning the Premier League title in 2016. As of now, the team finds itself at the bottom of the Premier League table, a reality that is both painful and embarrassing for the players, staff, and fans alike. The Foxes have endured a dismal start to the season, managing to scrape together a mere four points from their first nine games, with a staggering 24 goals conceded in the process. The team’s poor form has left them facing an uphill battle to salvage their season, and the pressure is mounting with each passing game.
Despite the team’s struggles, one player who has stood out is James Maddison, the talented midfielder who has been in inspired form, scoring five goals and providing two assists in just eight league games. However, Maddison’s impressive individual performances have been overshadowed by the team’s overall poor showings, and the player himself is keenly aware of the need for the team to kickstart their season as soon as possible. In a candid interview with BT Sport, Maddison expressed his embarrassment at the team’s current predicament, stating that it’s “almost a little bit embarrassing that we’re down there, so we need to do something about it.” The midfielder’s words reflect the sense of urgency and frustration that pervades the team, as they strive to recapture the form that saw them qualify for the Europa League in successive seasons.
Maddison’s comments also highlight the crucial role he sees himself playing in turning the team’s fortunes around. Despite his own stellar form, he is quick to deflect attention away from his personal achievements, instead emphasizing the need for the team to come together and start producing results. As he noted, “I try to lead by example and take that responsibility on my own shoulders and take the pressure off my teammates.” This sense of leadership and accountability is admirable, and it’s clear that Maddison is driven by a desire to win and succeed, rather than merely focusing on his own individual performances. With a series of crucial games upcoming, including fixtures against Crystal Palace, Leeds, and Wolves, Maddison and his teammates will be looking to use these matches as an opportunity to rediscover their form and start climbing the table.
One of the most interesting aspects of Maddison’s interview was his discussion of his England hopes. Despite his impressive form for Leicester, the midfielder has been consistently overlooked by England manager Gareth Southgate, with his sole appearance for the national team coming in a 7-0 thrashing of Montenegro in 2019. Maddison’s desire to represent his country is palpable, and he expressed his frustration at not having had the opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage. As he noted, “I don’t feel like I’ve had the opportunity to showcase my talent at that level and I think I could have an impact.” The midfielder’s comments will likely resonate with many fans, who have been calling for him to be given a chance to prove himself in the England setup.
The World Cup is looming large on the horizon, and Maddison is clearly keen to catch Southgate’s eye and earn a spot in the squad. While the competition for places is fierce, Maddison’s form and abilities make a strong case for his inclusion. As he emphasized, “The better I play for Leicester, the more chance I’ve got” of breaking into the England team. It remains to be seen whether Maddison will ultimately achieve his goal, but one thing is certain – he will continue to give his all for Leicester City, driving the team forward with his exceptional talent and dedication.
As the season wears on, Leicester City will be looking to use their upcoming games as a catalyst for change. With Maddison leading the charge, the team will be striving to turn their fortunes around and start ascending the Premier League table. While the road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, the midfielder’s leadership, skill, and determination make him a crucial component of the team’s bid for resurgence. As the Foxes seek to rediscover their winning ways, one thing is clear – James Maddison will be at the forefront of the effort, driving his teammates forward with his unwavering passion and commitment to the cause. With the right mindset and a bit of luck, Leicester City may yet be able to salvage their season and achieve their goals, and Maddison will undoubtedly play a key role in that journey.
