As of: March 10, 2024, 9:30 p.m
By: Patrick Mayer
Comments
Press
Split
Eric Dier gives a remarkably open interview in which he raves about FC Bayern and Thomas Müller and criticizes his former club Tottenham Hotspur with an unusual choice of words.
Munich – A new, congenial duo is emerging in the Allianz Arena and on Säbener Straße.
In particular, it's about Matthijs de Ligt and Eric Dier, FC Bayern's new defensive center.
Eric Dier and Matthijs de Ligt: FC Bayern's new central defender duo
The 24-year-old Dutchman and the 30-year-old Englishman formed the Munich central defense in both the furious 8:1 (3:1) against Mainz 05 and the impressively clear 3:0 (2:0) in the Champions League against Lazio Rome .
Minjae Kim and Dayot Upamecano have to be content with the reserve role.
In an interview, Dier spoke remarkably openly about his career and gave a veritable eulogy for his colleague Thomas Müller.
Won against Mainz: Harry Kane (left) and Thomas Müller with FC Bayern.
© IMAGO/Mladen Lackovic
“I have never seen anyone as comfortable in their own skin as Thomas.
In the dressing room after we lost to Lazio in the first leg, Thomas said: 'It's 1-0 and now they have to come to the Allianz Arena'.
Thomas was so calm.
"I've never been in a situation like this where there was this confidence," Dier told
The Times
, adding: "I've never seen anyone like him."
Eric Dier: Bayern star criticizes former club Tottenham Hotspur
Dier came to the Isar metropolis on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in January, and the Munich team have now drawn a clause to sign him on a permanent, permanent and free transfer basis in the summer.
For the Londoners, however, he only made four appearances in the first half of the Premier League and was mostly left out.
I've never seen anyone as comfortable in their own skin as Thomas.
Eric Dier about Thomas Müller
“It's strange that I receive this appreciation more abroad than at home.
“I really feel the club’s appreciation for me here in Germany,” he explained: “I wouldn’t say that the perception of me is positive in England.
But I don't feel sorry for myself in the slightest." In the end at Tottenham it was "like the chair in your living room" that "you've had for nine and a half years and that you don't value," said Dier.
My news
Possible Bayern opponents in the Champions League quarter-finals: A hammer draw is now almost certain
Expert dissects Müller live on TV – Bayern icon immediately punishes him for lying
Kane is chasing the next record: Bayern coach Tuchel trusts him to read “everything”.
FC Bayern against FSV Mainz 05 now live on TV and stream: The Bundesliga reads here
“Extremely hard for him”: Bayern star suddenly in a new role
FC Bayern before a return campaign?
The next Tottenham star is probably in his sights
Eric Dier: Bayern defender dreams of Euro 2024 in Germany
“In November I never thought I would be in this position,” he said: “In the six months at Tottenham I trained hard every day and kept myself fit.
But you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.
It looks completely dark.
Having that blind faith and just staying fit, staying healthy, staying professional – that’s what I’m most proud of.”
Now Dier hopes that after 49 appearances for the “Three Lions” he will finally be called back into the England national team squad.
The last time he was there was in March 2023, but was not used.
Uncompromising in a duel: Eric Dier (left) for FC Bayern.
© IMAGO/Markus Fischer
Eric Dier: Arrived at FC Bayern and in Munich
“I haven't spoken to Gareth (
national coach Gareth Southgate, editor
) since March last year.
But I would love nothing more than to be back in the England squad.
Of course I want to go to the European Championships,” the defender told
The Times
.
He has already played eight times for Bayern in the Bundesliga (as of March 10th), and he should be seeded for now.
“Eric and Matthijs have now played two home games and delivered there.
And then they just stay with it,” explained FCB coach Thomas Tuchel before the Mainz win on Sky and explicitly praised his English newcomer.
Dier “plays very clearly and he speaks a lot.
And that's good for us because he's well organized at the back and has a close relationship with Matthijs de Ligt," said the Bayern coach: "That's why they're a step ahead at the moment." (pm
)