Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier has denied reports that there is a negative atmosphere at the club under gaffer Jose Mourinho.
As per reports, players are said to be unhappy with Mourinho’s training methods. Tottenham had gone three league games without scoring a goal before defeating Norwich this Thursday.
Speaking of the reports, Dier said: “The spirit has always been one of this team’s greatest strengths and I still think it is.”
“I think everybody has been training very well, training hard, enjoying themselves in the same way as always.”
Former Chelsea and Manchester United boss Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino, who had guided Spurs to the Champions League final and four successive top-four finishes in November with the club struggling in 14th place.
Up until their win against Brighton on Boxing Day, Jose’s Spurs side won four matches out of their five clashes with the team scoring 16 goals in those fixtures.
However, soon their scoring form worsened as the team went four league games without a win with top-scorer Harry Kane suffering from a serious hamstring injury that requires surgery, which would sideline him until April.
Dier further said: “Any club, when results aren’t going well, is not a happy atmosphere. But it definitely isn’t a negative atmosphere.”
When asked about the training methods, which were described in Wednesday’s article in the Sun newspaper as “like lower-league sessions”, Dier was quick to defend Mourinho and his staff.
“Who is saying that? Maybe you lads know — I don’t,” he said. “But personally I have enjoyed it. I enjoy doing new things.”
Spurs skipper Hugo Lloris also quickly dispelled rumours of unrest.
“The atmosphere is great, we can feel all the players involved and ready to fight for the club, the new manager and his staff,” he said.
“We cannot control everything you say outside but I can confirm the atmosphere is very positive. We’re focused on our days and every competition we’re involved in.”
Dier also defended teammate Christian Eriksen who has been below par with his performances this season and has attracted criticism from some Tottenham supporters.
“There is nothing negative you could say about Christian,” Dier said. “I have been here almost as long as he has and he has always handled himself in the best way.
“He has always been one of the most professional players I have known and one of the best players at Tottenham on the most consistent basis.”
