Here’s an extract from a lengthy right of reply that Christian Eriksen’s agent, Morten Olsen sent to Bt.dk. This was in a direct response to his client having been bawled out of it by his International coach as Denmark lost to Portugal.
I was very surprised that he took Christian Eriksen out at all. I had absolutely no impression that he played poorly. But the most surprising was the coach’s comments afterwards.
I get many reactions especially from the UK, where they do not understand any of it. Especially the comments from the coach on the so-called ‘lack of development’.
As 21 and 22 years old in your first year in England you score 10 times, accounting for 13 assists on a team with six other new players – it has really impressed everyone.
The most strange is that he blames a player for the defeat who was not even on the field (when Portugal scored).
From his youth title with OB, via his five titles with Ajax – and he recently won the Player of the Year in Tottenham and Player of the Year in Denmark. Christian will always follow his own path. No one can stop him.”
There is no denying Eriksen’s goals and assists. He has undoubtedly had a useful start at Spurs. That’s not up for debate. But he does need to be more consistent.
For example, corners must routinely beat the first man. No occasionally.
Pochettino kept his defence of Christian brief and to the point:
He is a very good player, an important player for Tottenham. I am very happy for his performance and impact on the club and team. He is still young. He knows he needs to improve but we are very happy with him.”
Eriksen won’t be happy that this one game has suddenly blown up into a major incident for him. But that as they say, is show business.
