‘It hurts’ – Tottenham star breaks silence on being snubbed from Champions League squad after £30m summer transfer

TOTTENHAM star Mathys Tel has admitted his disappointment at missing out on Thomas Frank’s Champions League squad.

Spurs forked out £30million in June to make the Frenchman’s initial loan from Bayern Munich permanent.

Despite the significant outlay, Tel was not selected in Frank’s depleted Champions League squad, which was submitted to Uefa on Tuesday.

Having since reported for international duty with France’s Under-21s, Tel has spoken out on the situation.

Quizzed by French outlet Le Telegramme about how his snub felt, the forward said: “It’s clear that when you’re not on a list, it definitely hurts, but I’m someone who stays pretty positive, no matter the situation, because I think I’ve worked a lot on the mental aspect.

“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’re going to work to come back in the best possible way.”

On how Frank informed him of the news, Tel added: “Quite simply, with respect. He called me, he simply told me his choice and then you could see the list appear on the networks.”

Further quizzed if he is seeking revenge, or whether he could even be looking to leave Spurs already, Tel said: “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.

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

“A desire elsewhere? 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.”

The Europa League winners were only able to name 22 players, rather than 25, due to squad issues.

Of the customary 25 players that can be named for the Champions League, four must be eligible as club trained.

To be deemed club trained, a player must have spent three years on that team’s books between the ages of 15 and 21.

Third choice goalkeeper Brandon Austin is Tottenham’s only club trained player.

In addition to Tel, injured stars James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin have also missed out – as well as summer signing Kota Takai and forgotten man Yves Bissouma.

New boys Randal Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus have been included, as well as Tel’s fellow attackers Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.

‘ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT’

Asked to rate his first six months with Spurs, Tel said: “Knowing what I’m capable of, knowing all the abilities I have, I think I could have done better.

“In any case, we can all do better. But I would say that it’s an encouraging setup. Why? Because it forces me to know the weak points, the things to improve, so there’s always room for improvement that we have to aim for.

“Whether in life in London or on the pitch, I think it can be better, everything can be better, absolutely everything.”

Tel made 13 Premier League appearances during his loan spell last term, scoring twice and laying on two assists – while he also made five appearances during Spurs’ run to Europa League glory.

The former Bayern star has been limited to just 19 minutes across his side’s first three Prem games this season, while he missed a penalty during Tottenham’s shoot-out Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last month.