Tottenham star left hurt by Euro snub; not ready to throw in the towel

Mathys Tel opens up after Champions League squad snub

New boss Thomas Frank was left in a difficult position while naming Tottenham’s Champions League squad due to the lack of homegrown squad members. Tel was one of the names to pay a big price for that, with summer signings Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani instead making the cut.

The France youth international has now opened up on this topic. The 20-year-old has now revealed the conversation he had with his gaffer and admits it was painful to hear the news. Here is what he said via Le Telegramme:

“When you’re not on the list, of course it hurts,”

“But I stay positive whatever the situation. I’ve worked a lot on the mental side. It’s a disappointment, I would have liked to be there, but it’s the coach’s choice and you can only respect it and work to respond in the best way on the pitch.

“I have learned that no matter what the situation, you have to be patient. Sometimes there are things you deserve, but you don’t get them in return. So, I have gained maturity and experience, and I think that today it has shaped my personality and character.”

Tel’s future at Spurs called into question

Tel’s future at White Hart Lane has been called into question from different quarters in recent days. The talented forward is yet to make a competitive start for Tottenham under Frank and was subject of disgusting racial abuse on social media after missing his penalty in the UEFA Super Cup shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the start of August. Spurs were quick to react to it and put out strong statement of support for the Frenchman.

Being left out of Spurs’ 22-man Champions League squad for the league phase has been tough to take for Tel. The Sarcelles native certainly deserves to be praised for his outlook on the situation, as going by his own admission, he wants to put it behind him and work hard on the pitch to prove Frank wrong.