Tel needed some persuading to make the move from the Bundesliga and has revealed that it was a phone call from his new boss that made up his mind. It didn't come at the perfect time, though, with the forward halfway through a trip to the barbers when Postecoglou began his sales pitch.
Advertisement
AFP
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Tel reportedly had interest from a number of Premier League clubs in January, with Manchester United heavily linked with their own move. The 19-year-old eventually signed on loan for Spurs, though Postecoglou has revealed the club have every intention of making the move permanent with a reported £50m option this summer.
WHAT TEL SAID
Telling the story of Postecoglou's call, Tel said: "I was in the barbers - one side was good and the other side was not really. He told me, 'Mathys, I think you are a good player for the team. You can bring some new energy, something special for the team. We need to win a lot of games.' This call was positive for me."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFP
WHAT NEXT FOR TEL AND TOTTENHAM?
Tel has made three appearances for Tottenham, scoring his first goal for the club in the FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa, and will have a big role to play as they fight to win the Europa League and improve their current Premier League position of 12th. He will be aiming to score his first league goal for the club during Saturday's game at Ipswich.