£30M Star AXED from Champions League TWICE! Is Tottenham Manager Frank Sabotaging His Own Career?

Tottenham's £30 million investment, Mathys Tel, has been controversially axed from the Champions League squad not once, but twice. Manager Thomas Frank's baffling decisions spark outrage: 'Is this football or fantasy football?'
By Newsroom | Football, Tottenham Hotspur |

A Footballing Paradox Unravelled

The roar of the crowd, the glint of European silverware – these are the dreams etched into the fabric of any ambitious club. Yet, for Mathys Tel, a player who cost Tottenham Hotspur a hefty £30 million, these dreams seem to remain frustratingly out of reach, at least on the continental stage. Twice now, Tel has been conspicuously absent from Tottenham's UEFA Champions League squads. The latest omission, just as the knockout stages loom, has ignited a firestorm of questions. How can a player of such significant investment be so consistently overlooked for Europe's premier club competition? Is this a tactical decision, a reflection of player form, or something deeper within the club's hierarchy?

The Season of Snubs: A Timeline of Omissions

Mathys Tel’s Tottenham journey has been a rollercoaster of promise and perplexing exclusion, particularly concerning the Champions League. The narrative begins with his arrival, a loan spell a year ago, followed by a permanent move last summer.

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Overlooked £30m Tottenham star FINALLY earns reprieve after twice being axed from Champions League squad - as Thomas Frank makes three changes ahead of the knockouts - 1

  • September 3, 2025: Reports surface that six players, including Mathys Tel, have been axed from Tottenham's Champions League squad for the group stage (Daily Mail). This decision is attributed to Thomas Frank needing to manage squad size constraints after new signings like Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani arrived. The club was also noted to be three short of the UEFA quota for club-trained players.

  • Three weeks ago: The exclusion of Mathys Tel from the Champions League squad for the second half of the campaign is confirmed again (Daily Mail, Mirror). This decision appears to be a direct consequence of needing to accommodate fit-again players like Dominic Solanke. Manager Thomas Frank reportedly had to break the news to Tel himself.

  • Three days ago: The implications of the January transfer window on the Champions League squad are discussed, with the focus on making necessary changes for the knockout stages (football.london).

  • 25 minutes ago: Tottenham officially confirm three changes to their Champions League squad, with Mathys Tel notably being included this time (football.london). This marks a significant U-turn after his prior exclusions.

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This timeline paints a picture of a player caught in a tug-of-war between his perceived value and his actual inclusion in crucial competitions. The fact that Tel was omitted, then later recalled, raises more questions than it answers about the club's strategic decision-making.

The Managerial Conundrum: Thomas Frank's Tightrope Walk

At the heart of these squad selections lies Thomas Frank, the Tottenham manager whose own position has been a subject of constant speculation. The decisions surrounding Mathys Tel seem intrinsically linked to Frank's survival and tactical maneuvering.

Overlooked £30m Tottenham star FINALLY earns reprieve after twice being axed from Champions League squad - as Thomas Frank makes three changes ahead of the knockouts - 2

  • Press Conference Revelations: Ahead of the Dortmund clash, Frank admitted that accommodating fit-again Dominic Solanke meant Mathys Tel had to be sacrificed from the Champions League squad. He stated, "Unfortunately, that's football, you have to make a decision." (Mirror)

  • Dortmund Victory as Reprieve: A crucial 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, secured by goals from Christian Romero and Dominic Solanke, is reported to have bought Thomas Frank some much-needed time amidst pressure regarding his future (BBC Sport). Notably, Dominic Solanke was selected over Tel for this pivotal match. (FOX Sports)

  • Tactical Shifts and "Trickery": Some reports suggest that Frank's decisions, even those that might have upset players like Mathys Tel, were strategically sound, particularly in European matches. One piece of analysis described Frank's pre-match "trickery" as working "wonders" against Dortmund, implying that even controversial omissions served a larger purpose (Daily Mail).

  • Squad Size Limitations: Frank himself has commented on the restrictive nature of UEFA's Champions League squad lists, stating, "I think that we need probably a bigger squad. I also think that the UEFA Champions League lists are not big enough." (football.london) This highlights a potential structural issue beyond individual player assessment.

Read More: Spurs Look at Tactics and Player Choices

Frank's decisions appear to be a delicate balancing act, influenced by player availability, tactical needs, and the overarching pressure to secure positive results and, perhaps, his own job security. But does this strategic chess game justify the consistent sidelining of a £30 million asset?

The £30 Million Question: Talent vs. Trust

The investment in Mathys Tel suggests a belief in his potential. Yet, his repeated exclusion from the Champions League squad, especially when other players with injury concerns have been prioritized, raises serious doubts about the level of trust placed in him by the management.

Overlooked £30m Tottenham star FINALLY earns reprieve after twice being axed from Champions League squad - as Thomas Frank makes three changes ahead of the knockouts - 3
PlayerStatusChampions League Squad Status (Group Stage)Implications
Mathys Tel£30m signing, available for European knockoutOmitted (twice)Player's future uncertain, club potentially losing value on investment.
Dominic SolankeReturning from injuryIncludedPrioritized for crucial European matches, suggesting higher immediate trust despite recent injury issues.
Injured PlayersDejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma, Kota Takai, James MaddisonOmitted (initially)Standard procedure to exclude injured players, but highlights flexibility for others.

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  • Player's Desire to Leave: Reports indicate that Mathys Tel himself is unhappy and actively seeking an exit from Tottenham, frustrated by a lack of playing time and the continued snub from the Champions League squad (onefootball.com, onefootball.com). He has reportedly issued an ultimatum to Thomas Frank.

  • "Clear the Air" Talks: Thomas Frank has held "clear the air" talks with Mathys Tel, signaling an acknowledgment of the player's discontent. However, the club's stance on retaining him appears firm, viewing his departure as a "non-negotiable" (yardbarker.com).

  • Limited Impact: Despite the significant transfer fee, Tel has reportedly made "only a limited impact" this season, scoring just three goals in 21 appearances (yardbarker.com). This statistic, however, needs to be viewed in the context of his limited opportunities. Is he underperforming, or is he not being given the platform to perform?

This disconnect between the financial outlay and the player's on-field participation, particularly in high-stakes European games, creates a perplexing situation. What does it say about Tottenham's scouting, transfer policy, and player development when a significant investment is so consistently sidelined?

European Aspirations vs. Domestic Realities: A Squad in Flux

The Champions League is often seen as the ultimate proving ground for a club's ambitions. For Tottenham, reaching the knockout stages signifies progress, yet the choices made to get there raise questions about the squad's overall balance and the club's long-term strategy.

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Overlooked £30m Tottenham star FINALLY earns reprieve after twice being axed from Champions League squad - as Thomas Frank makes three changes ahead of the knockouts - 4

  • Squad Registration Rules: UEFA limits the number of players a club can register for the Champions League. This often forces difficult choices, especially when a club has a deep squad or faces injury crises. Tottenham's need to adhere to rules regarding "club-trained" and "non-homegrown" players adds another layer of complexity to squad selection (dailymail.co.uk, football.london).

  • Transfer Window Activity: The January transfer window saw Tottenham bring in Conor Gallagher and Souza, while losing Brennan Johnson and facing multiple injuries to key players like Kudus, Richarlison, Bentancur, and Bergvall (espn.com). These comings and goings directly impact squad availability and eligibility for European competitions.

  • The "Not Football Manager" Defense: Thomas Frank has defended the club's transfer activity, stating, "the transfer window is not Football Manager unfortunately," acknowledging the complexities and limitations of player recruitment and retention (espn.com).

The core of the issue might lie in how Thomas Frank views Mathys Tel within the broader context of his squad. Is Tel seen as a player for the future, not yet ready for the rigors of Champions League knockout football? Or is his exclusion a symptom of a deeper issue, perhaps a personality clash or a fundamental disagreement on his role within the team? If the latter, why hasn't it been resolved sooner, and what does it mean for the club's ability to manage its expensive assets?

A U-Turn Worthy of Europe?

The recent confirmation of Mathys Tel's inclusion in the Champions League knockout squad marks a significant turn of events. After being axed twice, this reprieve raises new questions:

  • What has changed? Has Tel's form drastically improved? Are injuries elsewhere forcing Frank's hand? Or is this a last-ditch effort to placate a player who wants to leave?

  • What is the true extent of his "reprieve"? Will he actually get significant minutes on the pitch, or is this merely a symbolic inclusion?

  • Can this inclusion salvage Tel's Tottenham career? Or is the damage already done, with the player's mind set on an exit?

  • Does this late inclusion signal a more stable future for Thomas Frank? Or is it a desperate measure to retain talent amidst uncertainty?

The narrative surrounding Mathys Tel at Tottenham is far from over. His journey from a high-profile £30 million signing to a player seemingly on the fringes, then suddenly back into the European fold, is a stark reminder of the volatile nature of modern football. The true winners of this saga, it seems, will be those who can best navigate the complexities of squad management, player morale, and the relentless pursuit of European glory.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Mathys Tel excluded from Tottenham's Champions League squad?
Mathys Tel was initially excluded due to squad size limitations and to accommodate new signings and returning injured players like Dominic Solanke. Manager Thomas Frank cited UEFA squad rules and the need for tactical flexibility.
Q: Has Mathys Tel been included in the Champions League squad recently?
Yes, after being excluded twice, Mathys Tel was surprisingly included in Tottenham's Champions League squad for the knockout stages. This U-turn has fueled speculation about the reasons behind the change.
Q: Is Mathys Tel unhappy at Tottenham and looking to leave?
Reports indicate that Mathys Tel is frustrated with his lack of playing time and Champions League exclusion, leading him to seek an exit. He has reportedly issued an ultimatum to manager Thomas Frank.
Q: What is Tottenham's stance on Mathys Tel's potential departure?
Despite the player's unhappiness, Tottenham views his departure as 'non-negotiable' and is reportedly firm on retaining the £30 million asset, suggesting a belief in his long-term potential or a refusal to sell at a loss.