Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has refuted claims that Mathys Tel had previously rejected the club before his loan move from Bayern Munich, Afrosport reports.
Tel joined Spurs on the winter transfer window deadline day, but reports suggest the French forward had initially rejected their proposal after meeting with chairman Daniel Levy in Germany.
The 19-year-old was reportedly favouring a move to Spurs’ Premier League rivals Manchester United, but the Red Devils failed to reach an agreement on the terms of a loan deal with Bayern, prompting his move to north London.
“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,” said Postecoglou when asked whether Tel rejected Spurs.
“I think rightly so, he was getting as much information as possible. And I think more than anything, he just wanted to be comfortable with the decision.
“I think he didn’t feel…the sense I got was he didn’t want to be sort of pushed into a certain direction. And I think it’s credit to him that he didn’t…he took his time.”
Postecoglou added that he had a call with Tel with the hopes of convincing him to join Tottenham, who are currently short on forward options.
“He wanted to talk to all the right people,” the Australian added. “I had a conversation with him and I guess mine was purely around the football that I think, you know, I think he’ll find a really great place for him here in terms of where he is in his career.
“He obviously wants to play. We’ve already shown that irrespective of age, he’ll get an opportunity here. And I think the way we play will suit him and certainly with what we have, you know, in the next few months and even more importantly, what we’re building beyond, I thought he would be a perfect fit for this next step.”
When asked if he felt Tel was committed to Spurs, Postecoglou said: “Yes, 100%. I am more than 100% 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 was not the only January signing that Spurs made, as the club brought in defender Kevin Danso on loan from French Ligue 1 side Lens.
“It’s great to get Kevin in,” he added. You know, he’s ready to play. Whether he starts or he’ll come on, we’ll make a decision.
“But obviously, really important that he is part of it now because obviously losing Radu [Dragusin, to a season-ending ACL injury] was a massive blow for us. So having him available is good.”
Both Tel and Danso are in line to make their Spurs debut on Thursday when they visit Anfield with a 1-0 advantage to take on Liverpool in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final clash.
