Image source: caughtoffside.com
Tottenham Hotspur’s internal pressure has intensified after manager Thomas Frank again left Mathys Tel out of the club’s UEFA Champions League squad list, according to Fabrizio Romano. The move was made to create space to register new signing Dominic Solanke. Tel and his representatives are reported to be “not happy at all,” with tensions rising as Tottenham’s season continues to draw criticism.
Frank omits Mathys Tel again as Spurs register Solanke for Champions League
Thomas Frank has once again excluded Mathys Tel from Tottenham’s UEFA Champions League squad list, a decision that has heightened tensions inside the club, according to Fabrizio Romano. Tel, 20, was removed as Frank made room under UEFA registration limits to add Dominic Solanke to Tottenham’s European squad. The French forward and his representatives are said to be deeply unhappy at being left out for a second time.
The report said Frank needed to free a spot to fast-track Solanke into Tottenham’s European campaign. With squad restrictions meaning only one player could realistically be taken off the list, Frank chose Tel, a move described as shocking by observers given the forward’s reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young attacking talents.
Solanke is expected to play a major role in the knockout rounds, with Frank viewing the striker’s physicality, Premier League experience and readiness as essential to Tottenham’s continental ambitions. That calculation has angered Tel’s camp, particularly with the player seeking more minutes, having produced what the report called impressive performances in limited appearances and drawing interest from other European clubs.
There is also mounting concern, according to the report, that Tel may begin to question his future in north London if he continues to be sidelined for key competitions after joining Spurs with assurances of long-term development and involvement. Frank’s squad management has already faced criticism during a season described as inconsistent, underperforming and lacking a clear tactical identity.
The report added that Tottenham sit “worryingly low” in the Premier League table and that fan frustration has grown over mixed messages, questionable selections and stalled development of several young players. With Champions League fixtures looming and Tottenham described as desperate to salvage their season, Frank’s decision to prioritise Solanke over Tel is set to be closely scrutinised.
