“Definitely hurts” – Tottenham player disappointed with Thomas Frank decision

Tottenham Hotspur’s Mathys Tel has publicly expressed his disappointment at Thomas Frank leaving him out of Spurs’ Champions League squad this season.

The striker initially joined Tottenham on loan from Bayern Munich in the winter market and his stay was made permanent in the summer.

Spurs qualified for the Europe’s elite club competition after winning the Europa League final in May. They appointed Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s successor in the summer, and he didn’t include the 20-year-old in the list for Champions League group stage.

Tel has been with France U21s for the ongoing international break. He’s spoken to the media, who asked his views on Frank omitting him from Spurs’ Champions League list. Le Télégramme have relayed his comments.

Frank has deadline day signing Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke as his three strikers for the Champions League. The former Bayern Munich man insists he wanted to represent the north London club in the European competition this season.

“It’s clear that when you’re not on a squad, it definitely hurts, but I’m someone who stays pretty positive, no matter the situation, because I think I’ve worked a lot on my mental side, so today it’s definitely a disappointment; I would have liked to be there,” he said.

“But the coach’s choice is the coach’s choice; we can only respect it, and we’ll work to come back in the best possible way.”

The France U21 international was asked how the former Brentford manager explained his choice to him.

“Quite simply, with respect. He called me, he told me his choice, and afterwards you saw the list appear on social media,” Tel explained.

Tel made three substitute appearances for the Premier League club this season.