CONTE’S THE PERFECT FIT
Dier laps up gruelling sessions
ERIC DIER reckons it is back to the future under new Tottenham boss Antonio Conte – with an Italian twist. Conte has just had two weeks on the training ground putting those Spurs players not on international duty through rigorous double sessions.
That included out-of-favour England defender Dier. Having survived to tell the tale, he has nothing but praise for the gruelling-yetenlightening workouts.
Indeed, he insists the schedule under
Conte (right) bears many of the hallmarks of that used by former coach
Mauricio Pochettino.
And ahead of today’s home clash with struggling
Leeds, Dier claimed that is good news for all concerned.
The Spurs ace, 28, said: “They’ve been very tough sessions physically. But that’s normal.
“It’s not the first time that myself or anyone else has trained in this way. Anyone here during the Pochettino days knows what a tough session feels like.
“But at the same time it’s enjoyable and creates a stronger bond between the players to get through those tough sessions.”
If Conte is renowned for his 24/7, workaholic ethic, the ex-chelsea and Juventus boss is also deemed a master tactician, especially at the back.
In his first season at Stamford Bridge he famously switched to a five-man defence after losing at Arsenal and sparked a titlewinning upturn in results.
It is too much to expect Conte to do the same this season with Spurs but Dier is fascinated how the rearguard formation operates – and its flexibility.
“It’s been really interesting to see first-hand the way he implements the system and how he wants it to work and be played,” he said.
“Now being the protagonists of it is really interesting – and playing it in a way I’ve never played it before is enjoyable to learn.
“The manager’s attention to detail is incredible, amazing.
“There’s a still a long, long way before we can improve the system as the he wants it. But he’s had incredible success with it wherever he’s been.”