Mathys Tel’s relationship with Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi is very different from what some may assume from the outside looking in.

The Frenchman had a poor start to the season, and it seemed like the Tottenham boss’ frustration had boiled over following the 0-0 draw against Everton last month.

De Zerbi had an animated argument with Tel after the full-time whistle, visibly unhappy with the forward’s body position when he led the line.

However, the Italian showered praise on the 21-year-old after his performance against Chelsea last Saturday, insisting that he never doubted the youngster’s quality.

De Zerbi said last week about Tel: “Yes, but he has to push, to push, to push, to keep going, because he’s a talent. He has to clean the last 30 metres, the last decision, the last pass, the shot. He has an unbelievable shot. I believe in Mathys, maybe more than he believes in himself.”

Tottenham forward Mathys Tel has a very good rapport with Roberto De Zerbi

The Athletic have shared that, according to sources at Hotspur Way, the former Bayern Munich man has a strong rapport with the Spurs head coach.

The report claims that De Zerbi’s public criticism of Tel after the Everton game was not intended to single him out, but was a reflection of the Italian’s communication style.

The 21-year-old understands it was an emotional response to a high-pressure situation, and according to the outlet, it was no different to how the Tottenham boss communicates with his players in meetings.

In fact, it is revealed that Tel is constantly communicating with De Zerbi, who has long admired the forward and even tried to take him to Marseille in the past.

The France U21 international feels the support of the Spurs boss and feels ‘trusted and valued’ by the 46-year-old.

Tel has formed a support team to help him reach his best

The Athletic reveals that Tel is keen to repay the confidence that De Zerbi has shown in him, and has built a support team around him geared to helping him play at his best.

The youngster’s support team consists of six members – two individual coaches, a video analyst, a fitness coach, a personal chef and a nutritionist.

The 21-year-old does additional sessions with these coaches as well as his normal training sessions with the Tottenham team to ensure he is in prime condition to perform.