Ange Postecoglou has denied teen star Mathys Tel initially rejected Tottenham‘s advances before hopping aboard on a deadline day transfer.
The 19-year-old French forward has joined the Spurs on loan until the end of the current season, and the London club has an option to secure him permanently if they wish to.
Reports last week claimed Spurs boss Daniel Levy had flown to Germany to meet with Tel, who was playing for Bayern-Munich, but the teenager opted not to join the club.
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Aussie manager Postecoglou then initiated a Zoom call with Tel over the weekend where he talked the young talent around.
During a media call on Wednesday night (AEDT), Postecoglou rejected the suggestion Tel had not wanted to join the Spurs prior to his call.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou. Getty
“I think people need to understand that you are talking about a 19-year-old who has to make a major decision for his career and it’s not that he rejected us or rejected anyone else,” the manager said.
“I think he just wanted to be comfortable with his decision.
“I don’t think he wanted to be pushed in a certain direction and it’s credit to him.
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“I had a conversation with him and it was purely around the football and I think he’ll find a really good place for him here.”
Postecoglou was asked directly if he feels Tel is fully committed to the Spurs.
“Yes, 100 per cent,” he said.
Mathys Tel for Bayern Munich. Getty
“I am more than 100 per cent sure because he took so much time, was so diligent about finding out everything.
“He had other options so it gave me more confidence that we are getting the right kind of mentality, the right kind of player.
“He is very ambitious. He has a great self-belief and confidence.
“He feels he can reach the top of the game and he has chosen us which is great vindication of what we are doing.”
Tel is available for selection in Friday’s Carabao Cup game against Liverpool, in what would be his Spurs debut.
New defensive signing Kevin Danso is also available for the game. Tottenham leads Liverpool 1-0 after the first leg.
