Bryan Gil discusses his struggles at Tottenham, the physicality of the Premier League, & future

Last month, Tottenham Hotspur decided to loan out Bryan Gil to CF Valencia after purchasing him a few months ago during the summer transfer window. Gil is back in his home country of Spain, and the 21-year-old spoke to AS about his short time in north London. 

The Spanish media outlet asked about the most challenging time during his first few months with Spurs. Gil stated that the lack of continuity and feeling important were some of the issues with the Premier League side. Furthermore, he added that not playing affected his day-to-day emotions.

“Of course. Every player needs and wants to have continuity, feel important. Here in Valencia, I am feeling it from the first day. That shows on the field, in training, the attitude, you see football with another face,” Gil said. 

“You always have to be psyched up in case you have to live the other part, and I lived it in London. Not playing affects you on a day-to-day basis, obviously, because you are sadder and more downcast. But it is part of football, and you have to accept it. And the experience in London has been good for me.”

AS wanted Gil to elaborate on his response and spoke about him changing country, adapting to a new league, and personal issues at home played a role in having problems getting his career going with the north London club. 

Being in another country, playing in another league, going through complicated personal situations far from home,” Gil said. 

“These are small steps that you have to take and that make you mature. I’m young, but in football, there is no age, and you have to assimilate each situation as best you can.”

Gil also discussed adapting to the Premier League, which is more physical and something that he’s not used having played in Spain all his career. 

“Yes. It shows a lot, really. It is a slightly higher level of intensity. I physically noticed it. The adaptation for me was difficult. It is a very physical football, back and forth. Being there has been good for me, even if I didn’t play what I wanted. I am more mature,” Gil said. 

“I changed habits like eating, I had a chef at home, and I gained two kilos. Even so, I noticed that it was not enough for the physical level that exists in the Premier. In Valencia, I continue to work hard on endurance physicality in case I have to come back to be prepared.

Finally, the 21-year-old stated whether he wants to return to Tottenham when his loan with Valencia expires in June. 

“I belong to Tottenham, and they are the ones who have to decide. It’s not up to me,” Gil said.