Why Mathys Tel was not in Tottenham squad for Aston Villa defeat

Tel did not start and was not on the bench either was Spurs fell to a 3-2 defeat at home to the Villans in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Frenchman played 85 minutes in midweek in the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and had featured in every league game for Spurs this season until the defeat to Villa.

After the match, De Zerbi was asked why Tel was uninvolved against the Champions League side.

Disagreement: Mathys Tel and Roberto De Zerbi

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“Technical decision,” the Italian said. “He was in the stands, because I think during the game, [James] Maddison and [Mohammed] Kudus, they had more chances to change the game, and then two centre-backs, important.

“Also the two full-backs, have a look for Pedro Porro, with Archie Gray, and the two central midfielders.”

De Zerbi explained how he informed Tel that he would not feature at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“I explained why to Mathys yesterday [Friday],” he said.

“It was no problem. He was very nice and he understood the reason, but nothing more, and also he played more than the others.”

Struggling: Mathys Tel

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De Zerbi said “maybe it is better” that he does not see many of his players for the next three weeks as they head off on a prolonged international break.

He also revealed he did not hold a team talk with his players in the dressing room after the defeat against Villa.

“I didn't speak with the players today because I didn't want to say anything,” he said.

“I have nothing with them, but the players who go with the national team, they have to play and they have to work, and the other players — Maddison, [Conor] Gallagher, [Dominic] Solanke, Tosin [Adarabioyo], [Marcos] Senesi, Savio — for sure, we have to work more, because also the physical condition, I didn't like this game.”