Maddison's Programme Interview: 'Everyone's On It'
- Leicester City host Everton in the Premier League on Monday
- James Maddison has spoken to CITY, the official Club matchday magazine
- The England midfielder says togetherness will be essential for the Foxes
The England international missed out with illness as the Foxes defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at King Power Stadium in late April, before playing a crucial role in securing a 1-1 draw at Leeds United.
Taking four points from a possible six has lifted the mood around the Club, Maddison says, following the appointment of Dean Smith as Manager.
Everton are the visitors to Filbert Way on Monday for a huge relegation clash (8pm kick-off). Leicester started the weekend 18th in the table, a point adrift of safety, and one above Everton in 19th with five matchrounds to go.
"It’s definitely given us a lift and helped that side of things," Maddison told CITY magazine earlier this week. "When you have a new Manager, it’s a new voice, new messages and so everyone’s on it.
"The gaffer’s been in three games; we had a tight game against Man City but, as we just saw against Arsenal, they can blow anyone away and we maybe could’ve even got something up until towards the end of that game.
"But that was never going to be a defining moment in the season because not many teams go to the Etihad and win. But then obviously winning at home and then not losing away, which was something we’d been doing lately, was important.
"There has been a real uplift in confidence and belief and hopefully that will leave us in good stead so we can produce another positive performance and result against Everton."
Everton suffered a 4-1 reverse at home to Newcastle United on Thursday - but Maddison is well aware that Monday's game will be a different matter altogether.
"Teams at the bottom, we’re all fighting and battling for Premier League safety and they’ll be looking to put that right," he added. "We all know their manager and what type of characteristics he has, he’ll be looking for a reaction and getting them going. So make no mistake about it, this is a massive game – there’s no point in dressing it up as anything else.
"Both clubs will feel like they’ve underperformed and feel they’ve not been at the level they think they’re at.
"I know Everton were kind of in a relegation battle last year as well, and Frank Lampard managed to keep them up, so they know what it’s like to be in this situation. For us, it’s a little bit new because we’ve had so much success over the past few years.
"Last season we had people saying it was probably a bit of an off season for us and we finished eighth – what I’d do to be in that position now! Both are big clubs in a similar position and they don’t want to be where they are, but the reality is the reality and we have to try and deal with that and get a good result."
Maddison also believes that the Blue Army can play an integral role on Monday - hoping they can roar City to three points.
He explained: "We haven’t given the crowd enough to cheer and shout about this season so we understand the frustrations, especially when we go behind. I always say it’s so important and massive for us if the crowd can stick with us, even in the tougher times.
"When we’re losing and when we’re battling at the bottom, that’s when we need them most – they did that against Wolves and it was absolutely brilliant. I watched it on my iPad and you could even feel the atmosphere.
"There was a little bit of anxiety when we went behind but once the team got going and started playing at a bit of a quicker tempo, they really bought into that and helped the team get over the line."