Tottenham defender Eric Dier has claimed that Spurs have become more pragmatic and mature under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho got off to a bumpy start in north London after joining in November 2019, eventually leading Spurs to a sixth-place finish. They are much improved this season, and currently find themselves two points off top spot in the Premier League with a game in hand.
Their improvement in form has been marked by a number of gritty, battling performances, including a 2-0 victory against Manchester City which sent them top last week.With the Lilywhites now looking capable of challenging for their first league title in 60 years, Dier told Sky Sports about how the maturity and competitive spirit of the current squad are the most notable changes brought about by Mourinho.
"I'd say this team is probably more pragmatic," Dier said when asked about the biggest difference between the current squad and that under predecessor Mauricio Pochettino.
"I think we still possess a lot of the qualities we had during that spell [under Pochettino], I think we're all a bit older, a bit more mature, we've all seen a bit more, and we're ready to do different things compared to when you're younger."
Dier went on to note how competition for places is making a difference, adding: "The amount of quality we have coming off the bench, and not even in the squad, is incredible.
"That competition is definitely driving things, and I think that's something in the past we struggled with, not having that competition to drive things. You want to have your own self-motivation, but you can't deny it's different when it's a big squad, and everyone is driving each other. He's [Mourinho] definitely putting his stamp on the club, on the team and the players individually."
Source : 90min