Ange Postecoglou got into a heated argument with a reporter after answering a query about Eric Dier’s absence from Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Burnley because of his connections to German champion Bayern Munich.
Dier did not play in Spurs’ hard-fought FA Cup triumph over the Clarets on Saturday (AEDT), as Pedro Porro’s incredible goal in the 78th minute propelled the team into the fourth round.
International England Dier was noticeably absent, but Postecoglou was incensed at any insinuations that his absence was related to rumours about his future.
According to the PA news agency, Dier is nearing the end of his Tottenham contract, and Bayern is interested in acquiring the adaptable defender.
Spurs are open to hearing bids for Dier, but when pressed repeatedly about the 29-year-old’s fitness, Postecoglou became irate.
Dier’s manager from Australia stated, “Yeah, he’s injured.”
“He didn’t train yesterday and he just pulled up sore.”
When asked whether it had anything to do with the Bayern reports, Postecoglou yelled back, “Separate issue, mate, but don’t question my integrity.”
“He is injured when I say he is.” He wasn’t in the gym yesterday.
“It is unrelated to anything else.”
“I don’t know anything about Bayern.” He is hurt, that much is clear when you ask me. That is not a fabrication.
“I would argue he wasn’t selected if he hadn’t been hurt. I can say it with ease. He has an injury, and I’m not aware of anything else going on.
None that I am aware of. We’ve been concentrating on the game and the guys that are available for the past 24 hours, but if anything important comes up, I’m sure I’ll hear about it.
“We played to our level and I’m happy with how we performed. The second half was really good.”
Deki responds to our triumph against Burnley photo.Twitter: https://F8VNyFe4NI
— January 5, 2024, Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial)
Spurs, who were without captain Son Heung-min because of his obligations in South Korea, had many opportunities to score against Burnley but were not very fluid in their attack, even though Brennan Johnson tested custodian Arijanet Muric multiple times.
Zeki Amdouni had a chance to score for the visitors in the first half, but a rematch appeared to be in order until Porro scored an incredible goal from 25 yards out.
As Tottenham managed to go to the fourth round, Amdouni missed a late volley, but Ben Davies’ limping off was a further setback.
When asked if he could afford to lose Dier in the event that Davies’ injury was severe, Postecoglou said, “Yes.”
He said, “Ben looks like he done his hamstring.” in reference to Davies. Gio (Lo Celso) is experiencing some tightness, but he is hopeful that it is nothing. It appears like he will be absent.
The manager shares his opinions on tonight’s FA Cup exit photo.Twitter: bit.ly/2nBSEYO33e
— January 5, 2024, Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial)
Conversely, Burnley’s opposite number Vincent Kompany was happy with the team’s development since their September 5-2 loss to Spurs.
Kompany emphasised, “It was a battle for 97 minutes and right up until the end.”
We see that as a definite indication of progress. If I include cup games, the match we played today is likely the tale of our previous 12 games. The match we played against Spurs at Turf Moor is perhaps the story of our first ten games.
“Unquestionably, every game has been a performance involving effort, opportunities, and moments; however, you can be undone in crucial situations.”
