Thomas Frank holds the cards regarding Mathys Tel’s immediate future at Tottenham Hotspur. The manager appears ready to block any January departure despite the forward’s desire for regular minutes. A recent update from Football Insider highlights the Frenchman’s situation.
Frank Blocks Tel Exit Route Amid Tottenham’s Striker Shortage
The 20-year-old seeks consistent game time after starting just seven of his 19 appearances. However, the club’s lack of depth in attack likely forces him to stay. Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown provided exclusive insight to the outlet. He suggests that Frank is putting squad depth ahead of the player’s personal preferences during this window.
The decision rests heavily on Tottenham’s lack of reliable alternatives in the number nine position. Injuries and inconsistent form plague the current forward line. This leaves Frank with few trustworthy options if he sanctions a sale. Dominic Solanke continues to struggle with nagging injury issues that cast doubt on his availability.
Meanwhile, Richarlison has failed to earn the manager’s full trust to lead the line week-in, week-out. Consequently, the club will likely reject European giants like Roma, who are monitoring Tel’s situation. Brown emphasised that Spurs simply cannot afford to lose an explosive attacker.
Tel offers a different profile to the rest of the squad. The 20-year-old arrived from Bayern Munich with high expectations and has struggled to cement a starting berth. Despite this, the Frenchman’s pace and attacking drive remain vital assets. Frank reportedly sees Tel as a vital part of his plans. This remains true regardless of the player’s frustration or external interest.
“Tel arrived at Tottenham under a bit of a cloud.
“There were question marks about why Bayern Munich were so keen to let him go, and now he doesn’t seem to be able to get into the Tottenham side.
“But he’s an explosive player, he’s quick, and he brings a lot of attacking drive, which they don’t get too much of from their other players.
“They’ve had injuries and players not performing to the highest level, so the opportunity should be there for Tel to make his mark.
“It is a concern, the fact that he hasn’t been able to nail down a starting place, and that makes you think maybe if they get a new offer they could let him go.
“But the type of player he is and the other options they have, I don’t think the manager is going to be keen to lose that from his squad.
“He will make the final decision; it’s not about what the player might want or who might be interested. Does Frank see him as a part of his plans?
“I think he does, and I would expect him to stay at Tottenham because of what I’ve said about him giving them something they don’t get from their other players.”
Why Frank’s Job Security Demands Tel’s Retention?
Thomas Frank’s refusal to sanction this move shows just how much pressure is mounting on the Tottenham dugout. Managers live and die by their squad depth during the frantic second half of the season. Frank knows that losing a versatile attacker like Tel could wreck his own long-term prospects.
Tel might feel aggrieved by his sporadic usage, but his presence gives Frank a much-needed insurance policy. The Premier League creates an unforgiving environment. A single injury to a key striker can derail an entire campaign. Frank seems fully aware of this risk. Relying solely on the fitness of Solanke or the form of Richarlison is a gamble he just won’t take.
Tel brings a chaotic unpredictability that Tottenham’s other forwards often lack. The Frenchman’s in behind runs forces defenders to backpedal. This opens spaces that more static poachers might not exploit. Brown’s assessment hits the mark. Losing such a distinct tactical option would leave the squad one-dimensional.
Frank likely sees the youngster as more than just cover. He views him as a potential game-changer off the bench when matches become stagnant. If the manager permits Tel to leave now, he shoots himself in the foot before the season’s defining fixtures. Therefore, the manager’s authority in this situation acts as a shield for the club’s ambitions. He chooses team stability over individual player satisfaction. This ensures he retains enough tools to compete on multiple fronts.