Mathys Tel Boosts Tottenham Morale After Atlético Triumph
Mathys Tel has expressed his buoyant mood following Tottenham Hotspur's hard-fought 3-2 victory at home against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League. Despite the aggregate defeat in the last 16, the forward emphasised a newfound sense of unity within the squad. 'We're together. We're just a team now. A team. I can feel it,' Tel stated, highlighting the collective belief that has emerged after recent struggles.
Dressing-Room Talks Spark Revival
The theme of communication has been central to Spurs' recent efforts to reverse their slide down the Premier League table. Tel revealed that extensive conversations among players have been key to addressing their poor form, which included a 5-2 first-leg loss to Atlético and a 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Under new manager Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank, the team had initially suffered four consecutive losses, but Tel noted a shift in dynamics.
'What has been the difference? Conversation in the dressing room,' Tel explained. 'After every loss we just keep talking to each other and something changed. We're more and more together. We are talking because maybe before we didn't speak enough. But now with the situation we talk more, more, more. And we are more about the details. In football, details make the difference.'
Momentum Builds Ahead of Forest Clash
This renewed spirit was evident in recent performances, including a resilient 1-1 draw at Liverpool and the victory over Atlético. Tel believes these results can propel Spurs into their upcoming crucial Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest, a relegation six-pointer at home. 'It [winning against Atlético] means that we can be a big team,' he said. 'We showed a big, big, big mentality. When we go to the Premier League game, we have to play with the same energy, the same mindset.'
He added, 'We believe. We have to believe and we will do it. I trust my teammates, I trust the manager, I trust everybody. If we stick together, if we show that we will do it together, we will do it.' The match against Forest presents a significant challenge, as Spurs have the worst home record in the league, but Tel views it as an opportunity to gain momentum.
Tel's Personal Confidence Under Tudor
On a personal level, Tel has experienced a resurgence in form since Tudor took over. Previously, he struggled under Frank, who omitted him from the Champions League squad early in the season and limited his playing time. Tel, who joined from Bayern Munich last season, had sought a loan in January that did not materialise. He has now started the past four matches under Tudor, contributing positively, such as setting up a goal for Randal Kolo Muani against Atlético.
'I can feel that he put confidence [in me] that was needed before,' Tel said of Tudor. 'So we can see on the pitch I have got more confidence, I can create situations. He gave me some things that I didn't have before.' Despite missing chances in the Atlético game, Tel remains optimistic about his role and the team's prospects moving forward.
