Daniel Farke felt proud of his players after their 1-1 draw between Leeds United and Tottenham.
A 1-0 loss for West Ham against Arsenal meant that the Whites were already confirmed to be safe in the topflight. They still would have wanted to crown the campaign with a strong end to the season, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin levelled from the penalty spot to respond to the Mathys Tel opener.
‘We stepped up and deserved to equalise’
Farke was happy to see an opposition player whom he coached at Norwich City come back to the field after a 9 month layoff from an ACL injury, but he was happiest about the efforts of his team.
“During the long season there are sometimes games that you don't win just with the quality football-wise. Of course it was a difficult game, Tottenham were highly motivated with the back to back wins, the stadium was on it. For us the big pressure was off us with the results but it was a difficult week, we had to play without many key players and also during the game some setbacks.
"It was another setback early in the second half to concede but the mentality that the players showed, we stepped up and fully deserved to equalise. Then we didn't stop we wanted to go for it, and in the end the chances with Sean Longstaff nearly won this game. It says a lot about the team.
“I'm so happy and delighted for him. It's great to see him back because if you love football and you love a baller then you also love James Maddison. He can be unbelievable and is one of the most creative players in this country.
"Of course, it was difficult for him after being out for so long to come into this crunch moment, but the affect he can have, he has shown in the last minutes. He was smart, he knows how to win a free-kick or what he has to do in the box, perhaps to win a penalty. Great set pieces, great delivery, a top character. Fingers crossed he can stay fit and healthy.
“We are a promoted side so we won't win games in this league because of our quality. We also need a top fitness level, a top game plan, we need to be versatile in the tactical approach, and we can play a three man or four man formation, change during the game too.