- Postecoglou had a terse exchange with a reporter when asked about Eric Dier
- He insisted he knew nothing of Bayern links and insisted he was injured
- IAN LADYMAN: Premier League clubs are so wrapped up in their own self-interest. They want what suits them and that’s not FA Cup replays – It’s All Kicking Off
Ange Postecoglou insisted he knew nothing about Eric Dier’s links to Bayern Munich and told a reporter not to question his integrity when he insisted the defender is injured.
Dier was not included in Tottenham’s squad for the FA Cup third round fixture against Burnley at home, which they won 1-0 thanks to Pedro Porro’s stunning strike.
That caused suspicion after reports that Bayern Munich had reached a verbal agreement with the 29-year-old to bring him to Germany.
Asked about Dier, Postecoglou said: ‘Yeah, he’s injured. He just pulled up sore, didn’t train yesterday.’
Pressed on the links between Dier and Bayern Munich, he said: ‘Separate issue, mate, but don’t question my integrity when I say he’s injured. He’s injured, didn’t train yesterday.
‘Ask him, but he was injured, got nothing to do with anything else.
‘I’ve got no idea [about Bayern]. It’s of no interest. When you ask me whether he’s injured, he’s injured. Like I didn’t make that up.
‘If he wasn’t injured, I’d say to you he wasn’t selected. It’s easier for me to say. He’s injured and in terms of anything else that’s happening, not on my radar, not that I’ve heard of.
‘And if there is something, I’m sure we’ll hear of it, but fair to say last 24 hours we’ve been focusing on the game and the guys who are available.’
Bayern have been looking at other targets for a defensive reinforcement.
Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah is also on Bayern’s list, as Mail Sport has reported, but match fitness is in Dier’s favour.
Chalobah is expected to be fully fit by the end of this month, he is younger at 24 and has worked with Tuchel before but would ultimately cost more.
Bayern would prefer an initial loan while Chelsea want to sell, as with Borussia Dortmund target Ian Maatsen, to raise funds for a striker and left back.
Dier has had interest from clubs in France as well as England but some have been hoping he is handed a free transfer this window.
He is free to talk to foreign clubs this month given that his deal is up at the end of 2023-24.
Tottenham are willing to let him go as they are hoping to sign Radu Dragusin from Genoa.
Share or comment on this article: Ange Postecoglou tells reporter ‘DON’T question my integrity’ when he says Eric Dier missed Tottenham’s FA Cup win over Burnley due to injury, insisting Bayern Munich links are ‘not on my radar’
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
