‘I am more than 100% sure that Tel wants to be here’published at 14:22 Greenwich Mean Time 5 February
Liverpool v Tottenham (Thu, 20:00 GMT)
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was asked how he convinced Mathys Tel to join the club after it was reported he initially rejected the move: “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 – 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.
“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. Irrespective of age he will get an opportunity here. The way we
play I think will suit him and what we are building beyond – I thought this
would be the perfect fit for his next step. I think it’s right that he took
time in his decision.”
On whether he is convinced Tel wants to be at the club: “I am more than 100% sure that he wants to be here. He was so
diligent when he made the decision that it gave me even more
confidence that we were getting the right kind of mentality and player. He is
very ambitious. He has a great deal of self belief and confidence and it feels
like he can reach the very top of the game.”
