Tottenham forward Mathys Tel has shared his disappointment after being left out of Thomas Frank’s Champions League squad, with the youngster admitting the decision “definitely hurts”.
Tottenham Hotspur are back in Europe’s elite competition this season, taking their place in the UEFA Champions League league phase after lifting the Europa League trophy back in May, a triumph that brought the curtain down on Ange Postecoglou’s time in charge.
Since then, Thomas Frank has stepped into the dugout, and the Dane has wasted little time in stamping his mark on proceedings, guiding Spurs to two wins from their opening three league fixtures, while already showing that he is not afraid to make bold calls.
That was underlined when Tottenham announced their official Champions League squad for the first phase of the competition, with Frank electing to leave out six senior players from the list.
Mathys Tel reacts to Champions League omission at Tottenham
Among those omitted was Mathys Tel, who signed permanently for Tottenham this summer after a six-month loan spell. The Frenchman has struggled to fully settle at Hotspur Way since making his switch, and this latest snub serves as another setback for the 20-year-old forward.
Asked by reporters about his omission, Tel did not hide the fact that the decision hurt him, though he insisted he would try to stay positive and keep working on his game.
Speaking to Le Télégramme, he explained: “It is clear that when you are not on a squad, it definitely hurts, but I am someone who stays pretty positive, no matter the situation, because I think I have worked a lot on my mental side, so today it is definitely a disappointment; I would have liked to be there.
“But the coach’s choice is the coach’s choice; we can only respect it, and we will work to come back in the best possible way.”
The France U21 international was also asked whether Frank had given him a direct explanation for leaving him out, and he revealed that the new manager was respectful in his approach.
“Quite simply, with respect. He called me, he told me his choice, and afterwards you saw the list appear on social media,” Tel added.
Tel opens up on potential January move
For Tel, breaking back into Tottenham’s Champions League squad will be no easy task, especially given the attacking options already available to Frank.
The deadline day signing of Kolo Muani, alongside Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, means competition is fierce and every opportunity will have to be taken.
That has not stopped questions being asked about whether Tel might look for a move elsewhere in January if opportunities remain limited.
Responding to speculation, the striker admitted he is motivated by a sense of revenge to prove himself, but he made clear that he remains committed to Tottenham.
“It does not matter, even if I were on the list, I would have had this desire, to seek revenge, to be effective this season, to be able to kick-start my season in the Premier League. Because this is the beginning of a long first season, since last year was on a six-month loan,” he said.
When pressed on the idea of a potential transfer, he responded firmly: “A desire to go elsewhere? I am under contract with Tottenham, so I am a Tottenham player, and I am going to do my best to simply play.”