Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is asking for patience for new signing Xavi Simons as the young playmaker adjusts to the Premier League. Frank highlighted that Simons’ situation is similar to that of Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz, another high-profile talent who moved from the German league and is also taking time to find his form.
Both players were major signings from the Bundesliga, arriving with high expectations. However, the transition to the fast and physical style of English football can be challenging. For now, neither player has scored a competitive goal for their new club, which shows how difficult it can be to make an immediate impact.
🗣️ Manager’s Support for Simons
Speaking before a Champions League match, Thomas Frank publicly supported Xavi Simons. He acknowledged that the 22-year-old is still settling in. While Simons has yet to score, he did manage to provide an assist in Tottenham’s recent 3-0 league win over West Ham, showing his potential to contribute to the team’s attack.
🤝 A Tale of Two Stars
Frank directly compared Simons’ adjustment period to that of Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz. Wirtz, also 22, joined Liverpool for a massive £116 million fee but has not yet registered a goal or an assist. Frank noted that both players are in a similar situation, having to adapt to a new country, a new club, and a new city, which naturally takes time.
🌱 Signs of Progress
Despite the lack of major highlights, Frank is pleased with the small steps Simons is making. “I always look for glimpses,” he said, explaining that he sees positive signs. Frank shared that he had asked Simons to get into the penalty box more often, and a review of the last game showed that the player was following these instructions. He described this as progress “going a little bit in the right direction.”
