Ange Postecoglou is confident that Mathys Tel’s move to Tottenham Hotspur will be a resounding success.
The forward, who joined Spurs on an £8million loan deal from Bayern Munich with a £45million option to buy, has shown great commitment to the club. Despite hesitating due to interest from top Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Manchester United, Tel chose Tottenham for his next step in football. Postecoglou, speaking about the decision, emphasized that Tel’s commitment is “more than 100 percent,” a result of the extensive thought and research the French forward undertook before making his choice.
The 19-year-old, who will soon make his English debut in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, has high ambitions and a strong belief in his potential. According to Postecoglou, the teenager’s careful decision-making process is a testament to his maturity and determination to succeed. “He feels like he can reach the very top of the game,” Postecoglou noted, adding that Tel’s choice of Tottenham further validated the club’s ongoing project. The Aussie manager also highlighted the importance of Tel being comfortable with his career move, which underscores the forward’s dedication to making the right call for his future.
For Postecoglou, the focus during their conversation was entirely on football and how Tel’s qualities align with Tottenham’s playing style. “We’ve shown that regardless of age, players will get opportunities,” he affirmed.
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The manager also believes that Tel’s attributes, coupled with Tottenham’s footballing philosophy, make the club an ideal environment for his development. Furthermore, Postecoglou assured that the time Tel took to make the decision was entirely justified, praising the youngster for taking a thoughtful, independent approach to such an important career decision.
Tel is one of several new faces at Tottenham, with Kevin Danso from Lens also joining the squad during the January transfer window. Postecoglou is eager to integrate these new arrivals into the team, but he will not rush key players back into action if they are not fully prepared.
Managing the Injuries
Both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are being carefully managed after dealing with injury concerns, with Postecoglou choosing to be cautious in their rehabilitation. “We need to ensure they’re absolutely ready,” he stated, underlining the importance of keeping them fit for the remainder of the season.
The manager’s caution comes after the disappointing news that Radu Dragusin will miss the rest of the season, further complicating Tottenham’s defensive depth. With key players unavailable, Postecoglou is determined to ensure that the team maintains its competitiveness without risking further setbacks. His focus on player readiness reflects a pragmatic approach to managing the squad, particularly as Tottenham aims to make a strong push for silverware this season.
Looking ahead to the Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool, Postecoglou is resolute in his attacking philosophy. Despite being questioned about potentially adjusting his tactics for the second leg at Anfield, the Tottenham boss made it clear that his goal remains to win. “My philosophy is to try to win games of football,” he said firmly. With a 1-0 lead heading into the match, Postecoglou’s determination to push for victory in pursuit of Tottenham’s first major trophy since the 2008 League Cup is evident, showing that his commitment to success is unwavering.
