Mathys Tel is said to have initially opposed the loan to the Spurs. But Ange Postecoglou does not accept such a simple view. Instead, he welcomed the newcomer’s longer consideration.
Mathys Tel made the headlines in Munich on and in the days leading up to Deadline Day: First the young Frenchman wanted to leave Bayern, then, after the record champions reached an agreement with Tottenham, he wanted to stay, and then, just before the deadline, he ultimately signed for the Spurs after all. His new coach Ange Postecoglou commented on the back-and-forth for the first time at the press conference before the semi-final return leg on Thursday (9 p.m.) in the League Cup in Liverpool.
The Australian did not criticize – on the contrary: he even called Tel’s deliberations “correct”. “People have to understand that this is a 19-year-old player who is facing an important decision in his career. It’s not that he rejected us or anyone else – he got as much information as he could. I think he just wanted to feel comfortable with his decision,” said the 59-year-old, defending the new signing.
The coach apparently also convinced his new protégé with the way he plays football. Postecoglou assured that his conversation with Tel was all about football.
In this, the two will certainly also have discussed the role of the attacker: in London, the newcomer is planned for both the nine position and the wings. “I think he has the qualities to play as a nine, but he has also played very successfully on the wing. That’s the beauty of him joining us,” said Postecoglou.
Due to the tight personnel situation, with Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson, among others, missing through injury, Tel will be needed in all areas anyway – and thus gain the desired playing practice. “We’ve shown that he’ll get a chance regardless of his age, and the way we play will suit him, and what we’re planning over the next few months and beyond is perfect,” the Spurs coach explained. Perhaps Tel will get his first chance at Anfield Road.
