Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel says Sven Bender is a key part of his plans for the season.
Mauricio Pochettino is said to be monitoring the German international closely but the Westfalenstadion boss – who replaced Jurgen Klopp this summer – wants to keep the midfielder.
Speaking after his side’s 2-0 win over Real Betis on Saturday evening, the BVB boss told reporters, “Sven Bender is a leader – he is a constant in the squad.”
“It’s a pleasure to work with him because he is a total team player, so we are happy with him and are planning with him.”
The Mirror reported on Friday evening that Daniel Levy was ready to launch a bid for the 24-year-old – whose brother Lars also plays in Bundesliga – but Tuchel’s latest comments suggest Pochettino could have a fight on his hands to get his man.
Spurs’ boss will be hoping to conclude a quick deal for the player however, with his side’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Manchester United just six days away.
Bender was a part of the Dortmund teams that won the league in 2011 and 2012, then finished runners-up in the Champions League the following season.
He made just 13 league appearances last season though as his side slumped to a seventh-placed finish.
Comments.
Loading comments…