Maddison calls Spurs' relegation battle 'embarrassing'

Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison was blunt while assessing the North London club's season thus far, labelling the relegation scrap they find themselves in as "embarrassing."

The Lilywhites suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday and now find themselves just two points above West Ham United, who occupy 18th position on the table. A victory would have secured their safety.

The side will head into their final clash of the season against Everton on Sunday with their status as a top-flight English club on the line, while the Hammers will take on Leeds United with the same thing at stake.

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After their defeat to the Blues, Maddison spoke to Sky Sports and shared his thoughts on Tottenham's difficult situation and the pressure surrounding the club heading into the final day.

"We have to give everything for the club, for the badge, for the fans," he said, per GOAL.

"It's a bit embarrassing that we're in this position. We're going to need our fans, who were unbelievable tonight. I think we have the best away following in the league."

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The midfielder also reflected on the importance of the match and the disappointment of failing to secure a positive result.

"We knew any sort of result would be very beneficial for us in the battle. It wasn't to be," he added.

"We pushed hard in the last 20 minutes. It was probably a pretty even game. I don't remember them having many chances."

Spurs had to do without the 29-year-old for a large portion of the season after he suffered an injury in a friendly before the campaign kicked off. Maddison returned in April after missing 277 days with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.

Heading into the clash against the Toffees this weekend, the Englishman acknowledged that he may not yet be at his best after returning from injury..

"I've been out for a long time, so I'm not going to be at my fluid best," he said. "I've had a massive injury and you have to respect the injury a bit. I'm going to do what I can on Sunday.

"[Being creative is] my job, it's what I'm paid to do. I haven't played this season, but when I do, it's what we have to do. Hopefully, when I'm on the pitch, I can try and help the team."