What friction? Bill Belichick lauds “very supportive” Robert Kraft

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If you ask Bill Belichick in public, he'll tell you Robert Kraft gives him all the support he could ask for.

The New England Patriots head coach offered high praise (by his standards, anyway) for Kraft during a press conference Friday.

"We have a good set-up here," Belichick said. "He has been very supportive. Gives us a great opportunity to go out and compete every week. We’ve done that. Hope we can continue it for a long time."

The pretext to Belichick's answer: Monday will mark the 25th anniversary of Kraft's purchase of the Patriots on Jan. 21, 1994.

His return on investment has been incredible, as New England has compiled a 310-135 overall record under his ownership. Kraft has found even crazier success working with Belichick, bringing five Super Bowl titles to Foxboro along with eight Super Bowl appearances and 16 AFC East division titles since 2000.

If you believe the reports, though, their relationship hasn't always been smooth. The two reportedly weren't on the same page when New England traded Tom Brady's heir apparent, Jimmy Garoppolo, during the 2017 season, and Kraft even acknowledged "tension" in the organization later that year.

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But if any friction still lingers, Belichick certainly isn't admitting it three days before the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs. And regardless of what happens Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, the 66-year-old head coach seems intent on keeping the dynasty rolling for the considerable future.

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