'Definitely hurt': Mathys Tel breaks silence on Tottenham's Champions League squad exclusion | OneFootball

The forward dismissed suggestions he could look to leave the club

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Mathys Tel has admitted he is "definitely hurt" to have been left out of Tottenham's Champions League squad.

Six first-team players therefore had to miss out, though some of those decisions were made easier by injuries.

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski were not included, while Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai are both also currently on the sidelines.

Yves Bissouma's exclusion came as no surprise, with Spurs looking to sell the midfielder, but Tel not making the cut was the big shock.

Spurs paid £30million this summer to make his move from Bayern Munich, but the 20-year-old will now play no part in the Champions League until at least the knockout stages.

Staying put: Mathys Tel dismissed suggestions he could look to leave

PA Wire

“It’s clear that when you’re not on a squad, it definitely hurts," Tel said, via Le Telegramme.

"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. 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.”

Tel has played only 19 minutes across the first three Premier League matches of the season.

The deadline-day arrival of Randal Kolo Muani, who can play across the front three, is likely to limit the opportunities further for Tel.

I am under contract with Tottenham, so I am a Tottenham player and I will do my best to be able to play

Mathys Tel

Asked how Frank had broken the news of his Champions League exclusion to him, the Frenchman responded: “Quite simply, with respect. He called me, he told me his choice, and afterwards you saw the list appear on social media."

Tel dismissed the suggestion that Frank's decision would leave him considering his future at the club or seeking "revenge" by trying to prove the Spurs boss wrong.

"No matter, even if I was on the list, I would have had this desire, to be revengeful, to be able to be effective this season, to be able to start my season in the Premier League," Tel said.

"Because now, it's a first long season that begins because last year it was in the form of a six-month loan.

"I am under contract with Tottenham, so I am a Tottenham player and I will do my best to be able to play, quite simply."