Mathys Tel may not have delivered a standout performance in Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night, but it’s evident that the young forward is already taking steps to improve. Rather than dwelling on his struggles, the 19-year-old has been putting in extra work to refine his game, signaling his commitment to making a greater impact for Spurs.
Since joining Tottenham on loan from Bayern Munich in January, Tel has managed just one goal in six appearances. That solitary strike came on his debut in the FA Cup clash against Aston Villa, but he has failed to find the net in his last five matches. His latest outing in Alkmaar saw him struggle as a lone striker, where he found himself isolated and unable to influence the game effectively.
A Challenging Night for Tel in the Europa League
Facing a well-organized AZ Alkmaar side, Tel saw very little of the ball and, when he did, he was unable to make a significant impact. While there were occasional glimpses of improvement in his hold-up play, his overall contribution was largely ineffective. As a result, Ange Postecoglou opted to substitute him at halftime, bringing on Wilson Odobert in an attempt to inject more attacking threat into the game.
It was a frustrating evening for the French forward, but instead of letting the disappointment linger, he wasted no time getting back to work. Less than a day after the match, Tel was already on the training ground, determined to turn things around.
Tel’s Extra Training Efforts
Tel shared an Instagram story of himself engaged in a personal training session, joined by two others, including French fitness coach Julien Lugier. In the image, the Bayern loanee could be seen directing instructions, surrounded by footballs and a small-sized goal, suggesting an individual drill focused on sharpening his finishing or technical skills. While the exact details of the session remain unclear, what is certain is Tel’s determination to improve after his disappointing display in the Europa League.
Spurs will need him to rediscover his form quickly, as they face a crucial week ahead, balancing their Premier League campaign with their European ambitions.
Spurs Face a Tough Task in the Europa League
The 1-0 loss to AZ Alkmaar was decided by an 18th-minute own goal from Lucas Bergvall, leaving Tottenham with an uphill battle to reach the Europa League quarter-finals. They will have the opportunity to turn things around when they host AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the round of 16 next Thursday.
Before that, however, Spurs shift their focus back to the Premier League, where they face Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon. Speaking ahead of the game, Ange Postecoglou emphasized the importance of bouncing back quickly.
“We definitely need another game to get the squad to where we need to get to. It’s an opportunity to get more game time into certain guys,” said Postecoglou. “The best way to put last night’s disappointment behind us is to perform well at the weekend. Our league form has been decent recently, and we want to continue that.”
While the Europa League remains a priority, Postecoglou also stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the domestic league. “I still have a real desire to move up the table, and we get that opportunity on Sunday.”
A Chance for Tel to Prove Himself
As Spurs prepare to face Bournemouth, Tel will be hoping to get another chance to prove himself and regain confidence. His extra training session suggests that he is fully aware of the need to step up, and if given the opportunity, he will be eager to showcase his development.
With Spurs juggling multiple competitions, squad depth will be crucial, and Postecoglou will need all his players ready to make an impact. Whether Tel can turn his hard work into improved performances remains to be seen, but his determination is a promising sign as he looks to establish himself in North London.
What Mathys Tel did after Tottenham defeat speaks volumes after brutal Ange Postecoglou call
