“Kompany is the best coach I’ve ever worked under” – Dier reflects on his time at Bayern

Monaco’s Eric Dier finds himself unexpectedly absent from England’s squad for the current international fixtures under manager Thomas Tuchel. Despite a solid performance since his move from Bayern, the defender is grappling with the omission and reflects on his time in Munich.

Eric Dier’s name is missing once again from England’s latest squad announcement, a decision that has stirred discussion given the defender’s recent performances at club level. Now 31, the centre-back has been a key figure since joining AS Monaco after a spell with Bayern Munich, where he collected both domestic minutes and valuable Champions League experience.

“I want to get back into the England squad. I feel like I’ve played the best football of my career over the last two years. I feel very comfortable with my game”, said Dier.

Dier’s absence is notable as he has not represented England since March 2023, leaving him on 49 international caps – just one short of a symbolic milestone. Many observers expected his recall, especially in light of his steady run of form in Ligue 1, where he has helped Monaco establish defensive stability while also contributing to their pursuit of European football.

The player’s recent journey has been defined by reinvention. Dier left Tottenham Hotspur in early 2024 to link up with Bayern, where he was coached by Thomas Tuchel, the current England manager. Dier was given the trust to play in important Champions League matches under Tuchel and also under Vincent Kompany, before he made the switch to Monaco this summer.

“I had a fantastic relationship with the team [Bayern] and with Kompany. He was the best coach I’ve ever worked under,” said Dier. That’s high praise indeed, considering that, in addition to Tuchel and Kompany, he has also been coached by Antonio Conte, José Mourinho, and Mauricio Pochettino.