Is Mathys Tel Upset Over His Exclusion from Tottenham's Champions League Squad?

Mathys Tel, the young French winger, expressed his disappointment after being omitted from Tottenham Hotspur's 22-man squad for the UEFA Champions League group stage. Having joined Spurs permanently from Bayern Munich for £35 million this summer, Tel has struggled to secure a starting position, garnering only 19 minutes of Premier League action before the recent international break. Despite the setback, he remains determined to prove his worth and contribute to his new team.

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Mathys Tel has been left out of Tottenham's Champions League squad, describing the decision as 'hurtful'.
• He joined Spurs for £35 million from Bayern Munich after a loan spell last season.
• Tel has played just 19 minutes in the Premier League this season.
• Competition for places has intensified with the signing of Randal Kolo Muani.
• Despite his disappointment, Tel is committed to working hard and proving himself at Tottenham.

Background: Mathys Tel’s Move to Tottenham

In the summer transfer window of 2023, Mathys Tel made headlines when Tottenham Hotspur secured his services from Bayern Munich for £35 million. The 20-year-old winger had previously spent a successful loan spell with Spurs, showcasing his potential and earning a permanent contract. However, transitioning from a loan to a permanent player often comes with heightened expectations, which Tel is currently navigating.

Current Season: Struggles and Competition

As the new season unfolded, Tel found himself in a challenging position. With only 19 minutes of Premier League football played prior to the international break, his opportunities have been scarce. Manager Thomas Frank has favoured fellow summer signing Mohammed Kudus in the starting lineup, which has further limited Tel's chances to make an impact.

The arrival of Randal Kolo Muani on transfer deadline day has introduced additional competition in the wide forward areas. This influx of talent puts pressure on Tel to perform and earn his place in the squad.

Tel’s Reaction to Being Omitted

Speaking while on international duty with France’s U-21 side, Tel shared his feelings about being left out of the Champions League squad. He acknowledged the emotional impact of the decision, stating, “It’s clear that when you’re not on a squad, it definitely hurts.” Despite this disappointment, he emphasised his commitment to maintaining a positive mindset and respecting the coach's decisions.

Using Disappointment as Motivation

Tel is determined not to let the setback define his season. He views his omission from the Champions League squad as a source of motivation. “I would have liked to be there, but the coach’s choice is the coach’s choice,” he remarked. Tel is focused on working hard to regain a position in the starting XI and has no intention of seeking playing opportunities elsewhere. “I’m under contract with Tottenham, so I’m a Tottenham player, and I’m going to do my best to simply play,” he asserted.

The Importance of Mental Resilience

Mathys Tel has highlighted the significance of mental resilience in overcoming challenges. His approach to maintaining positivity, regardless of setbacks, reflects a mature mindset for a player of his age. This mental fortitude will be crucial as he strives to earn more playing time and contribute to Tottenham’s campaign this season.

Future Prospects for Mathys Tel

With the season still in its early stages, there is ample opportunity for Tel to turn his fortunes around. His focus on improvement and determination to succeed can potentially lead to increased playing time in the coming weeks. As he continues to adapt to the demands of both the Premier League and the Champions League, fans will be watching closely to see how he responds to this challenge.

What Lies Ahead for Tottenham

For Tottenham Hotspur, the integration of new signings like Tel and Kudus will be vital as they aim to build a competitive squad. Manager Thomas Frank will need to balance the squad's depth while ensuring players like Tel get the opportunity to showcase their talents. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for the team’s performance in both domestic and European competitions.

Conclusion: Moving Forward

As Mathys Tel navigates this challenging period, his focus on hard work and resilience will be essential. The young winger’s commitment to Tottenham and determination to improve could see him become a key player as the season progresses. The question remains: will Tel turn his disappointment into a driving force for success at Spurs?

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FAQs

Why was Mathys Tel omitted from the Champions League squad?

Mathys Tel was omitted from the Champions League squad due to limited playing time in the Premier League and competition for positions within the team.

How much did Tottenham pay for Mathys Tel?

Tottenham Hotspur signed Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich for £35 million, following a successful loan spell.

What has Mathys Tel said about his omission?

Mathys Tel expressed disappointment about being left out of the squad, stating that it 'definitely hurts', but he respects the coach's decision and aims to work hard to regain his place.

Who has been preferred over Tel in the starting lineup?

Fellow summer signing Mohammed Kudus has been preferred over Mathys Tel in the starting lineup during the early part of the season.

What are Tel’s plans for the rest of the season?

Mathys Tel plans to use his omission as motivation to improve and earn his place in the starting XI, committing to working hard for Tottenham.