What Mathys Tel did after Tottenham Europa League defeat speaks volumes
Mathys Tel may have endured a frustrating night during Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, but his commitment to improvement is already evident.
The 19-year-old, who joined Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich last month, has managed just one goal in six appearances since his arrival. His only strike came on his debut in the FA Cup against Aston Villa, but he has failed to find the net in five games since, including a challenging outing as the lone striker in Alkmaar.
Despite receiving minimal service throughout the match, Tel struggled to make an impact when he did get possession. There were brief flashes of progress in his hold-up play, but overall, he remained ineffective in leading the line.
Ange Postecoglou, unimpressed with his contribution, decided to withdraw him at halftime in favor of Wilson Odobert. It was a difficult evening for the young forward, but rather than dwelling on his struggles, he wasted no time getting back to work.
Less than a day after the game, Tel took to the training ground for an individual session to sharpen his skills.
He shared an Instagram story showing himself engaged in a mini-training session alongside two others, including French fitness coach Julien Lugier.
The image captured him pointing out instructions while surrounded by multiple footballs and a small goal, demonstrating his determination to address his shortcomings and refine his game.
While the specifics of the session remain unclear, his eagerness to improve is evident as Spurs prepare for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Bournemouth.
The loss to AZ Alkmaar, sealed by an unfortunate 18th-minute own goal from Lucas Bergvall, has left Tottenham with an uphill battle to progress to the Europa League quarter-finals.
The second leg at home next Thursday will be crucial, with Postecoglou’s side needing a much-improved performance to turn the tie around. However, before focusing on their European challenge, Spurs must first shift their attention to domestic matters as they host Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Postecoglou acknowledged the importance of bouncing back quickly, emphasizing the need for his squad to regain momentum. Speaking ahead of the match, he stressed the significance of getting more game time for key players and using the fixture as a means to move past Thursday’s disappointment.
He highlighted the positive aspects of their recent league form and reiterated his desire to climb the table while maintaining a strong push in Europe.
Tottenham’s ambitions in the Europa League remain a priority, but their domestic aspirations cannot be overlooked. The upcoming clash with Bournemouth presents an opportunity to regain confidence and build rhythm ahead of the second leg against AZ Alkmaar.
Tel’s commitment to extra training suggests he is eager to play a more decisive role in the coming matches, and with Tottenham needing firepower both in the league and in Europe, his improvement could prove vital in the crucial weeks ahead.