Matthijs Tel critiques Tottenham for exclusion from the Champions League squad.

According to The Sun: Tottenham star Matthijs Tel expressed disappointment at not being included in Thomas Frank's Champions League squad.

In June, Tottenham spent £30 million to make his loan from Bayern permanent.

Despite such spending, Tel did not make the trimmed down squad submitted to UEFA on Tuesday.

Returning from international duty with the French youth national team, he commented on the situation.

“It is quite obvious that when you are not in the list, it really hurts, but I am trying to stay positive regardless of the situation, as I work hard on the mental aspect,” he said.

“Today is undoubtedly a disappointment, I would have liked to be there. But the coach's choice is the coach's choice, we can only respect it and work to come back in the best shape.”

Speaking about how Frank informed him of the decision, Tel added: “Just respectfully. He called me, explained his choice, and then I saw the list appear online.”

“Whether I was on the list or not, I always have the desire to be effective this season and make a meaningful start in the Premier League,” he concluded.

Tottenham was only able to name 22 players instead of 25 due to squad issues.

Missing and New Players

Of the usual 25 players that can be included in the Champions League list, four must be qualified as club trained.

A player is considered club trained if he has spent three years at the club from the ages of 15 to 21.

Third goalkeeper Brandon Austin is the only club-trained player for Tottenham.

Along with Tel, injuries have also prevented James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, as well as summer signing Kota Takai and forgotten Yves Bissouma from playing.

New players Randal Kolo Muani, Javi Simons, and Mohamed Kudus are included in the list alongside Tel's teammates Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, and Dominic Solanke.

'There is room for improvement'

Asked to assess his first six months at Spurs, Tel noted: “Looking at my opportunities, I think I could have achieved more.”

“Overall, we can all do more. But I would say it’s a positive environment. Why? Because it makes me aware of my weaknesses and the things I need to improve, so there is always room for improvement that we should strive for.”

Tel played 13 matches in the Premier League during his loan last season, scoring two goals and providing two assists, and also performed successfully in five matches that led Spurs to victory in the Europa League.

This season he has been limited to just 19 minutes on the pitch in the first two matches, and also missed a penalty in the Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain last month.

“On the desire to stay? I am under contract with Tottenham, so I am a player for this team and will do everything possible to play,” he noted.

The Champions League squad includes:

• Goalkeepers: Guglielmo Vicario, Antonin Kinsky, Brandon Austin
• Defenders: Kevin Danso, Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Jed Spence, Ben Davies, Mickey van de Ven
• Midfielders: Joao Palhinha, Javi Simons, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Mohamed Kudus, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur
• Forwards: Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani
• Excluded: Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, Matthijs Tel, Dejan Kulusevski, Kota Takai

Tel is currently focused on improving his game and getting back into the team. His status in the team may change based on future performances and contributions in matches. The injury situation of other players may also affect his chances of getting more playing time in upcoming matches.