Mathys Tel could be Roberto De Zerbi's next victim after public Tottenham clash

Mathys Tel could soon find himself on the outside looking under Roberto De Zerbi, as Tottenham Hotspur's early struggles continue.

With Tottenham still yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League, the 21-year-old Frenchman is already emerging as a scapegoat.

He had started all three of Spurs' opening matches of the 2026-27 campaign, but with no goal contributions, was brutally axed against Everton.

In search of a goal on Saturday, 12 September, De Zerbi did eventually turn to his bench, but it was no use as the game finished goalless once again.

Following the full-time whistle, the player and manager could be seen exchanging some heated words on pitch, but only they will know what was really said.

It would be understandable if Tel was simply frustrated with his personal situation, especially after his intentions were revealed during the summer.

Is Mathys Tel next on the chopping block?

Football Insider understood that the young winger would be likely to push for an exit were he to fall down the pecking order in North London.

De Zerbi has already been very cut-throat with several Tottenham players, including Pape Sarr, Djed Spence, Luka Vuskovic and Manor Solomon.

It would be no skin off his back to see another of the players that he inherited walk through the exit doors once January rolls around.

And it certainly would send a message to the rest of the group that nobody is safe, no matter how talented you have proven to be elsewhere.

Something needs to change drastically at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and with goalscoring a huge issue, Tel's exit wouldn't be a huge surprise.

What was said between Roberto De Zerbi and Tel?

It is almost impossible to know what the two said after the draw against the Toffees, but one lip-reading expert believes he has worked it out.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Nicola Hinckling believes De Zerbi told Tel: "You're playing like a stud," before spinning and adding: "Like that. I need like that, attack focus".

The manager has reitterated to the media that there is nothing wrong with their relationship, and that he was simply giving him instructions based on his substitute appearance.

Richarlison's situation has shown how quickly something can go sour under De Zerbi, though, and fans will not want to see the same happen to Tel.