DIER: JOSE CRITICS JUST FIRE US UP
ERIC DIER says proving the critics of Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho wrong has given the squad extra motivation in their pursuit of silverware this season.
A 2-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday moved Spurs top of the Premier League and sent a statement to their title rivals.
It was the perfect way for Mourinho to celebrate a year in charge at the club and, despite continued scepticism over his tactics at times, the Portuguese watched his side produce a trademark disciplined, counter-attacking display to claim a notable victory.
‘I think we were pretty effective against City),’ Dier said. ‘As players, we want to perform for him (Mourinho). He’s created a fantastic atmosphere, a fantastic camaraderie in the dressing room.
‘We all want to perform for him and to any
We have put individuality aside for the collective of the team
one saying those kind of things, as players we want to prove them wrong for him. And I think we did that.’
A constant criticism of Mourinho has been his so-called defensive style of football, but Spurs are the joint-second top goalscorers in the division with 21 in nine matches.
Spurs have also been prolific in the Europa League and subtle rotation has helped them force their way into a strong early-season position. Players like Giovani Lo Celso, Dele Alli and Gareth Bale have had to bide their time with Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son in sensational form, but Dier insisted: ‘There’s a fantastic feeling within the squad.
‘Everyone has put their individuality aside and is in this for something bigger than that, which is the collective of the team and the team winning games.
‘There’s been a big shift in that sense in this squad. Whoever has to step in at any time... you saw that (against City) when Tanguy [Ndombele] goes off, Gio comes on and he makes an impact and scores the goal.’