Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier has spoken about what manager Antonio Conte is like behind the scenes.
Over the weekend, Spurs took one step closer to Champions League football next season as they claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Burnley. A penalty from Harry Kane was enough to settle the tense affair.
After the game, Dier was quoted by football.london discussing what it is like to work with his manager away from the pitch. The defender claimed that the Italian can be much calmer than how he appears on matchday.
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On what Conte is like behind the scenes, Dier said: “It is a big contrast him on the touchline and training pitch to him off it. At half-time and in meetings at training he is very calm and gets his message across very clearly, but passionately always, but on the training pitch and on the touchline he is so aggressive and intense.”
TIF Thoughts on Eric Dier, Antonio Conte and Spurs…
Dier also spoke of the ‘special relationship’ Conte has formed with his Tottenham teammates, suggesting that he has enjoyed working with the Italian so far.
In fairness to the centre-back, Dier has been a regular under his boss so far, playing 28 times in all competitions. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why he is so happy to praise his manager.
It is interesting, though, that Conte has a different personality behind the scenes. As Dier mentions, he is well-known for his ‘aggressive and intense’ approach, but it shows depth to the man that he can alter his demeanour and act calmer when he is discussing tactics with the players.
Perhaps that balance is the secret to the Italian’s vast success over the years.
In other news: ‘Conte’s biggest managerial achievement’ – Sky Sports man stunned by transformed Spurs ace