Mathys Tel Faces Champions League Snub, Vows To Fight For Tottenham

Mathys Tel will not play for Tottenham in the first stage of the Champions League. Manager Thomas Frank has left him out of the squad. Tel joined Spurs this summer, and although the decision is painful, he says he will stay positive and work hard.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mathys Tel, 20, moved from Bayern Munich to Tottenham in June 2025 for £30 million. Despite his price and European experience, he is not in Spurs’ Champions League squad. He joins players like Yves Bissouma and James Maddison, who are also left out.

Tel has only played as a substitute this season against teams like Paris Saint-Germain, Burnley, and Bournemouth. He has not scored or assisted, and the snub comes at a difficult time. Spurs are currently 3rd in the Premier League, three points behind Liverpool and level on points with Arsenal, with Chelsea one point ahead. They play West Ham United next, who are fighting against relegation.

WHY IT MATTERS

Thomas Frank’s choices in the squad reflect Spurs’ competitiveness this season. New signings like Randal Kolo Muani and Joao Palhinha are included. This means Tel has to work hard for game time. Tottenham’s offense is strong, with Richarlison and Dominic Solanke scoring many goals.

The club wants to do well in the Champions League after winning the Europa League last year. Tel’s exclusion has angered fans, who saw him as an exciting player. Some think the decision is “idiotic,” believing Tel is better than some included players.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR TEL AND TOTTENHAM?

Mathys Tel says he is still committed to Tottenham and wants to prove himself. If he keeps missing big games, there may be rumors about his future in January. For now, he wants to earn a starting spot in the Premier League.

As the season goes on, Spurs will need more players available. Tottenham’s Champions League campaign starts next week. They are in a strong group with Real Madrid and Sporting CP. If Tel plays well in league matches, he might return to the European squad later in the competition.