Tottenham Hotspur forward Mathys Tel has revealed the emotional impact of being omitted from the club’s Champions League squad for the league phase, while stressing resilience, respect, and unwavering commitment to his new side.
The 20-year-old striker, who joined Spurs permanently this summer in a £30 million deal following a productive loan spell, was not included in the squad due to UEFA’s stringent squad registration regulations.
Clubs must submit a 25-man “List A” that includes a minimum of eight “locally trained” players—either club-trained or association-trained—forcing Tottenham, with a shortfall in such players, to leave out key first-team contributors including Tel, Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, James Maddison, and Kota Takai.
Tel described the news as painful, saying: “It definitely hurts, but I’m someone who stays pretty positive. I would have liked to be there, but the coach’s choice is the coach’s choice, we can only respect it, and we’re going to work to come back in the best possible way.” He acknowledged the maturity demanded by the situation and emphasized the importance of staying mentally strong.
The French forward also praised head coach Thomas Frank’s handling of the situation. Frank personally delivered the news via a phone call, approaching the difficult conversation with professionalism and care. Tel recalled: “Frank called me, very respectful, he simply told me his choice. I was not in the Champions League list.” The gesture earned him respect and reinforced Tel’s determination to prove his worth.
The omission is undeniably surprising, considering Tel’s profile and potential. Though Spurs’ summer window included high-profile signings such as Randal Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons, João Palhinha, and Mohammed Kudus, Tel’s absence underlines the balance between squad quality and regulatory compliance.
Injuries to several drafted players, including Maddison, Kulusevski, and Dragusin, likely influenced Frank’s decisions, favoring players perceived as more immediately available.
Tel’s background with the club adds further context. A product of Rennes’ academy, he made a record-breaking debut at age 16 before signing for Bayern Munich in 2022 and becoming their youngest-ever goalscorer in competitive action.
A loan to Tottenham in early 2025 ended with him helping to secure Europa League silverware—his contributions key to Spurs’ triumph and qualification for the Champions League. His permanent signing in June 2025 was expected to fortify Tottenham’s attacking options.
Despite the Champions League omission, Tel’s ambition remains intact. Reflecting on potential future transfers, he stated: “I am under contract… I am a Tottenham player, and I am going to do my best to simply play.” He dismissed speculation of a departure, affirming his focus on earning opportunities at Spurs.
When pressed on his form trajectory, he struck a combative tone: “Even if I were on the list, I would have had this desire, to seek revenge… to kick-start my season in the Premier League.”
Looking ahead, UEFA rules offer Tel a possible route back into the competition: squads for the knockout phase can include up to three new eligible players registered by 5 February 2026, provided Spurs progress. With Tel’s talent and mental strength, a sustained run of good form could present a compelling case for his inclusion.