Dele: “We’re not a team that hides”

It was joy in the end for Dele and his team-mates, but he admitted there was ‘no hiding’ from a first half display that left us with it all to do against Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Thankfully, having trailed 2-0 to the Greek side inside 20 minutes, Dele was able to pull a crucial goal back just before half-time.

You sensed a turn around was on and the players delivered in style in the second half. Harry Kane scored either side of Serge Aurier’s fine strike as we ran out 4-2 winners to secure our place in the knockout stage of the competition.

“I have to hold my hands up, I think it was my fault for their second goal so to get a goal and win the game, that let me off a little bit,” said Dele.

“There is no hiding. We’re not a team that hides. It was a terrible first half. We said at half-time we can only get better. We couldn’t perform much worse.

“We knew that and going into the second half we had to play with more freedom, show our character, show our belief and move the ball a lot quicker.

“We did that and we’ve quality players all over the pitch. I thought we showed great character, the fans were terrific again and we’re very happy to qualify. We need to carry on now.”

Dele has three goals in his last seven games and has been involved in four of the seven goals in Jose Mourinho’s first two games at the Club.

“I’m happy,” he added. “I just want to be out there playing and enjoying myself and winning makes it a lot easier to enjoy. I’ve felt good all season – I just need to keep it going.”