---
title: "‘Technical decision’ – De Zerbi explains why Tottenham player was snubbed vs Aston Villa"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2026/09/19/technical-decision-de-zerbi-explains-why-tottenham-player-was-snubbed-vs-aston-villa/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Tottenham News"
published: "2026-09-19T16:35:16Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T16:59:03Z"
---

# ‘Technical decision’ – De Zerbi explains why Tottenham player was snubbed vs Aston Villa

**Tottenham Hotspur fell to another Premier League defeat this season as they were beaten 3-2 at home by Aston Villa.**

The Lilywhites, however, finally scored a Premier League goal as Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke struck consolation goals late in the game.

Savio, Omar Marmoush and Don Solanle started in attack with Mateus Fernandes stationed as a No.10, while the likes of James Maddison and Mohammed Kudus came off the bench.

There was no place in the squad for Mathys Tel, who has consistently played under Roberto De Zerbi this season.

And speaking after the game, the Italian admitted that it was a technical decision to leave him out of the squad today.

## De Zerbi on Tel’s Tottenham snub

“Technical decision,” began De Zerbi via Football London when asked about the Frenchman.

“He was in the stands, because I think during the game, Maddison and Kudus had more chances to change the game, and then two centre-backs, important, also the two full-backs, have a look for Pedro Porro, with Archie Grey, and the two central midfielders.

“But I explained why to Mathys yesterday. It was no problem. He was very nice and he understood the reason, but nothing more, and also he played more than the others.”

> Roberto De Zerbi gives his verdict on today's game.\
> \
> 📲 [https://t.co/eFK3im89z7](https://t.co/eFK3im89z7) [pic.twitter.com/sq7nDHTD66](https://t.co/sq7nDHTD66)
>
> — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) [September 19, 2026](https://x.com/SpursOfficial/status/2101333143122780531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Tottenham finally have a lot of quality options. Now and again, important players are going to get omitted from the squad based on who they are facing.

Tel has featured regularly for Tottenham this season and will continue doing so after the international break, that’s for sure.