Self-critical words

Bayern footballer: “We have to show responsibility”

Eric Dier (left) has cemented his place in the starting line-up.(Bild: APA/AFP/LUKAS BARTH)

Eric Dier is one of the faces of Bayern's upturn in fortunes and has now been quite self-critical. The winter signing has called the team to account and explained that as a player you have to take responsibility for the coach's departure. Now it's time to really attack again.

"Regardless of whether I have a good relationship with a coach or not, if he has to go and I'm his player, I should feel at least a little bit responsible," Dier told Kicker. According to the Englishman, he himself still has a good relationship with the coaching team.

The 30-year-old is particularly annoyed that they gave away the chance to win the Bundesliga title: "We weren't good enough, that can't be right. We've put ourselves in a position where the championship is no longer in our hands and is a long way away." Nevertheless, the team wants to continue to give its all in every remaining game.

Difficult months
According to Dier, the recent turnaround had a lot to do with the win against Lazio. However, the team has reclaimed its success through hard work. "Individually, I'm happy with how things have gone for me. But the team is much more important, and everyone knows that we've had a difficult two months," emphasized the defender.

Together with Matthijs de Ligt, Dier has earned himself a regular place in central defense. His demeanor on the pitch and in his private life are fundamentally different, explains the 30-year-old: "I only talk a lot on the pitch, less off it." He promises to improve further for the rest of the season.