Eric Dier has warned AS Monaco will face one of their toughest tests of the season when they travel to the Parc des Princes to face Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. The English defender, who has started all four competitive matches this campaign, insists there is no ideal moment to challenge the French champions despite their recent mixed league form.
"Honestly, I don't think there's ever a good time to face a team like Paris Saint-Germain," Dier told reporters. "We're talking about the best team in the world over the last two years, full of world-class players and led by one of the best coaches on the planet." The centre-back's respect for PSG remains unwavering, even as Monaco arrives in the capital on the back of an impressive 2-0 victory over Olympique de Marseille.
Tactical Challenge Ahead
Dier highlighted the defensive complexities PSG will present. The 30-year-old explained that tracking fluid movement through a hybrid attacking system demands constant communication across the backline. "They have a lot of movement within their hybrid system," he said. "For us it's mainly about managing those constant movements and communicating well to deal with them together." His partnership with Sadibou Sane has been central to Monaco's defensive solidity, with the pair helping the principality club maintain four consecutive clean sheets.
Praise for Filipe Luis
Dier expressed enthusiasm about working under head coach Filipe Luis, whose tactical principles have quickly embedded themselves across the squad. "I really enjoy working with him every day," the defender revealed. "Learning his principles in training, applying them, and observing how he manages the group is genuinely fascinating. I also like that he gets involved in sessions on the pitch." This hands-on approach has resonated throughout Monaco's roster, contributing to their strong start to the campaign.
Named vice-captain this season, Dier takes his leadership role seriously, mentoring younger teammates like Paris Brunner while setting daily standards in training. "It's an honour and a privilege to have that responsibility," he concluded. "You have to take it seriously and do what's expected: be there for the team, help players individually and collectively." Monaco seek to extend their unbeaten run against Europe's elite when they face PSG in what promises to be a defining encounter for both sides' title ambitions.
