Eric Dier opens up on 'blind faith' that kept him going through worst six months of career at Tottenham

Eric Dier has made a candid revelation about his difficult departure from Tottenham Hotspur - attributing his perseverance to 'blind faith' during the toughest period of his career.

The England international was left out in the cold at Spurs following Ange Postecoglou's arrival last summer. He made just one Premier League start before his January switch to Bayern Munich.

Now, on the cusp of completing an impressive turnaround, Dier is just one match away from potentially featuring in another Champions League final, should Bayern overcome Real Madrid in the upcoming semi-final second leg. He has shown remarkable resilience and credits Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel for giving him the opportunity to revive his career at such a high level.

Reflecting on his journey, Dier told the Mirror: “Obviously, after the first six months of the season, to be playing in a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid is something I am very proud of.

“I always believed in myself and always believed I should be playing at this level and yes, I kept a bit of blind faith in the first six months of the season and I am proud of the way I carried myself in those six months and that is what has enabled me to be in this position now.

“Yes, I would like to think I have shown my mental strength. I had a tough six months but, yes, I believe in my mental strength.”

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Opening up on his releationship with Bayern boss Tuchel, he said: “He is a great character in football. He is a great character when he was in the Premier League before and he is a great character here. I think he is very authentic.

“What you see is who he is and I really appreciate that as a manager. I am extremely grateful for him bringing me to this great club and giving me that opportunity. It has been great to work with him and I have learnt a lot in a short time and I am very grateful to him for giving me this chance.”

Tottenham lost to Liverpool in an all-English affair in Madrid but that gave Dier a taste for more as he and close pal and team mate Harry Kane have the chance to play at Wembley on Saturday, June 1.‌ When asked whether Wembley would make it more special, Dier said: “Not really. It is a Champions League final.

"I have played there a lot. Unfortunately it has lost something for me as I have played there a lot with Tottenham so I have been spoilt. It is a Champions League final and I would play in a car park because it is such a special game.

“I have been lucky to be in one Champions League final. It is the best thing in football so we are all extremely motivated to try and get there again. We will do everything to try and go there and win the game. We played two halves and have two to go.”

Before he added: “Obviously for me, Harry is the best striker in the world and he performed well and to get his goal and his consistency and performances have already been incredible. It was an incredible atmosphere. Probably the best I have played in.

“We know all about Real Madrid but we are experienced and also have a rich history in the Champions League. If there is any club which can match them is us and we have to take our confidence into this game.

“There are a lot of players who have experience and have been in this position before. That will help us. It is a Champions League final, no away goals, so it is effectively 0-0.”