Tottenham’s £30m Summer Signing Breaks Silence After Champions League Squad Omission

Mathys Tel, Tottenham’s recent £30 million addition from Bayern Munich, has publicly expressed his feelings about being excluded from the club’s Champions League squad for the group stage. The squad was submitted to UEFA last Tuesday, and Tel’s name was noticeably absent.

Head coach Thomas Frank faced a difficult choice after making late signings of Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani before the transfer deadline. While both players are included in the Champions League roster, Tel was left out. The decision was influenced by UEFA regulations, which restrict teams to a maximum of four club-trained players, forcing Tottenham to create a 22-man squad instead of the usual 25. As a result, several players, including Tel, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Kota Takai, and James Maddison, did not make the list.

Tel, who has appeared 23 times for Tottenham this season, scored three goals and made two assists, shared his thoughts on missing out. “When you’re not on the list, of course it hurts,” he told Le Telegramme. “But I stay positive regardless of the situation.” He added, “I’ve worked hard on the mental side. It’s disappointing; I would have liked to be there, but ultimately, it’s the coach’s decision, and I respect that. I focus on doing my best on the pitch.”

Mathys Tel has spoken out after being left out of Tottenham’s Champions League squad

While Tel has faced mental and physical challenges, he remains determined to develop and adapt. “No matter the circumstances, patience is key,” he reflected. “Sometimes you deserve opportunities but don’t receive them immediately. These experiences have matured me and shaped my character.”