25 January 2024 , 07:17
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Eric Dier followed a well-trodden path of English players and coaches abroad by sporting a new accent after just one game in Germany.
Dier, who joined Bayern Munich earlier this month, came on at half-time for the injured Dayot Upamecano as Thomas Tuchel's side looked to bounce back after Saturday's defeat against Werder Bremen. Although it wasn't a vintage performance, Bayern returned to winning ways thanks to Raphael Guirreiro's second-half strike.
The result moves Bayern to within four points of Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who are still unbeaten from their opening 18 matches. Tuchel's men have won 14 and drawn two of their 18 games and are 10 points above third-place Stuttgart as Bayern eye their 12th successive league title.
As for Dier, he helped Bayern to their fourth clean sheet in seven matches and the England international impressed alongside Matthijs de Ligt in central defence. However, it was his post-match interview that proved to be one of the other talking points after fans heard a twang in his voice.
After being born in Cheltenham, Dier spent most of his childhood in Portugal before moving back to England when he was 20 to sign for Tottenham from Sporting CP in 2014. He made 365 appearances during his time at Spurs, before joining Bayern on loan for the rest of the season.
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Following his post-match interview, comparisons to Steve McClaren's infamous interview at FC Twente back in 2008 were made as Dier reflected on a successful evening at the office. One fan said: "Another Steve McClaren moment. Strong accent." Another replied: "Love the accent, obviously been learning the twang for some time."
A third claimed: "Bro developed a German accent after 1 game." Another added: "Great to see this graduate emerging from the Steve McLaren School of International Languages." A fifth said: "Steve McLaren did it the best but this guy is close to taking the crown!"
"I've heard Dier speak a lot of times but never with this accent. Mate you do realise you're still speaking English even if you're putting on a bit of a faux German accent," a sixth said.
Quizzed on his first Bayern appearance, Dier said: "Yes, very proud moment for me to make my debut for this club. It is a very proud moment for me and my family. Obviously, I really enjoyed it, I really enjoyed playing here.
"I am happy to make by debut here in this stadium, is even nicer so yeah I am really happy with how I've settled and obviously to make by debut. Hopefully, I can continue to help the team."