• News

Eric Dier feels special being managed by Mourinho

Eric Dier, Jose Mourinho
Getty Images
Advertisement

The Portuguese connection is strong between Eric Dier and Jose Mourinho, with the midfielder pleased to be coached by his teenage idol.

Replacing Mauricio Pochettino was not an easy task. But if one man can do it with ease, it was Jose Mourinho. 

Tottenham are the Portuguese tactician’s stiffest task as he manages a squad on a relative shoestring budget. However, it is a task in which he is thriving. 

The Special One took Spurs from the bottom half of the table and ensured Europa League qualification. Tottenham finished sixth in the Premier League, managing to overcome a host of injuries on the way. 

Eric Dier has become a trusted deputy of Mourinho although their relationship did not start on the best of terms. The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager substituted Dier after only 29 minutes had been played against Olympiacos. 

That November incident is in the rearview mirror now. The England international only has praises for his manager with whom he shares a special relationship. The two speak in Portuguese when they can but are respectful when English speaking players are in attendance.

“If we’re talking privately then we’ll talk in Portuguese but if we’re with more people then we’ll speak English,” Dier told talkSPORT.

“For me it’s very special, growing up in Portugal and to be managed by him.

“When I was growing up he won the Champions League with Porto and then went to Chelsea and was extremely successful.

“It’s really special being managed by him now.”

x