Thomas Frank explains Mathys Tel substitution in Tottenham defeat to West Ham

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·17 Januari 2026

Thomas Frank explains Mathys Tel substitution in Tottenham defeat to West Ham

Frenchman was hauled off just before Tottenham got back on level terms in London derby

Thomas Frank has defended his decision to take off Mathys Tel during Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham.

Tel was withdrawn midway through the second half for Dominic Solanke and was visibly annoyed with Frank as he took his place on the bench.

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Tel, who was one of Spurs’ brightest players, has been linked with a move away from the north London club this month.

Tel has been in and out of the side under Frank this season, but has started to find favour under the Spurs boss, with the 20-year-old starting the last three league games.

Rumours of Tel’s departure will only intensify following his angry reaction to being substituted as Spurs chased an equaliser.

But when asked about the situation, Frank backed his decision, though admitted that there was nothing wrong with Tel’s performance.

“Yeah, but I need to take decisions, of course. So I had to take one offensive player off. And I feel Wilson is a bit better to the right and wanted two strikers on the pitch.

"So that was the decision. There was nothing wrong with Mathys' performance.”

Supporter tension has reached boiling point, with Change for Tottenham staging a protest before kick-off, and there were more boos at full-time as Spurs fell to their eighth defeat in 14 games.

Protests: Tottenham supporters before kick-off

Action Images via Reuters

In a bid to reassure fans, Spurs chief executive Vinai Venkatesham penned an open letter on Saturday morning to address supporter concerns.

Asked what he made of the letter, Frank added that he was trying to focus on the positives despite admitting that Spurs’ situation was like turning around a super tanker.

“I have seen the letter and I took six to eight positive things out of the letter. Not apparently the negative thing,” Frank continued.

“What I take out of that letter is that a club and an executive team with Vinai on top that are aligned and know this is a big transitional phase.

“It’s a super-tanker we’re turning in the right direction and there are a lot of good signs behind the scenes and also in some of the performances, but of course when you lose last-minute to one of your rivals, it is very emotional football and there will be noise.

“That noise we need to keep out there (away) and get head down and keep walking, keep doing the right thing.”