Mathys Tel breaks silence after Champions League squad snub

Mathys Tel said it "hurts" to be left out of Tottenham Hotspur's Champions League squad for the group stage but vowed to remain positive and work to respond on the pitch.

Tottenham submitted their squad to UEFA on Tuesday and named new signings Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani for the league phase, which begins with a home tie against Villarreal in a week's time. The club were forced to name a reduced list of 22 senior players rather than 25 because they are three short of UEFA's four-player quota for club-trained players. Thomas Frank also omitted all injured players from the submission, and Tel was the only senior forward left out, alongside Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma, Kota Takai and James Maddison.

Tel, who was signed permanently by Tottenham in the summer for around £30 million after an initial loan spell, told French newspaper Le Télégramme that he had worked on his mental approach following the disappointment. "When you're not on the list, of course it hurts," he said. "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."

The 20-year-old forward has made 23 appearances for the club since his move, scoring three goals and providing two assists. Tel has faced strong competition for attacking places at Spurs from the likes of Dominic Solanke, Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani, who can operate centrally, as well as wide attackers such as Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert who occupy the left flank, Tel's preferred wider position.

Tel acknowledged the setback as part of his development, saying he had "learned that no matter what the situation, you have to be patient" and that missing out had helped shape his "personality and character." Reports during the transfer window indicated interest from other clubs, including Manchester United, but Tottenham completed the permanent signing as they reshaped their attacking options in the final days of the market.

Club and UEFA rules around locally trained players have shaped several squad decisions across Europe this season, forcing managers to balance homegrown requirements with the form and fitness of their players. Tottenham's reduced senior list reflects those regulations and the timing of their late arrivals.

Frank's selection leaves Tottenham with a trimmed senior group for the Champions League league phase while retaining depth across their Premier League squad, where under-21 players and different registration rules apply. Tel will remain available for domestic competitions and for selection in UEFA knockout-phase squads should the club qualify and choose to make changes at the appropriate time.

Tel's response to the omission will be monitored by supporters and pundits alike as Spurs begin their European campaign and compete on multiple fronts this season. He said the experience had brought maturity and that he would respect the coach's decision while seeking to force his way back into contention through performances on the pitch.