Roberto De Zerbi admits he already has a ‘special connection’ with one Tottenham star

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Roberto De Zerbi believes that he is the perfect manager to get the best out of an underperforming Tottenham star.

While Tottenham may have picked up just a point from their two matches under De Zerbi, there has been a drastic improvement in the team’s performance since the Italian walked through the door.

Against Brighton, we saw Lilywhites play with the kind of attacking intent and confidence that we have hardly seen at home all campaign.

Several individuals, who have struggled to hit form this season, also turned up against the Seagulls, and the new Spurs boss believes that there is more to come from one of his attackers.

Roberto De Zerbi reveals he has a ‘special connection’ with Xavi Simons at Tottenham

Speaking after the 2-2 draw against Brighton, De Zerbi praised Xavi Simons for a fine performance following the attacking midfielder’s sublime goal and assist.

The Tottenham boss also suggested that the Dutchman would enjoy working with him since he was also a number ten, and he has now elaborated on why that is.

Speaking to Spurs Play, De Zerbi said about Xavi: “He’s lucky to work with me – not because I’m good, because I was number 10. What he thinks now, I thought 20 years ago. So, we have a special connection.

“I have a special connection with all number 10s I work with. I love a number 10. A number 10 has to understand that he has to score and he has to make assists, not just play to be nice to the people – goals and assists.”

On Xavi’s performance, De Zerbi added: “He played very well, a great game. I think he can play better and better, because a player like this, he needs to feel confidence from the manager, and I stay here to transfer all the confidence he needs, because I was a player, I was number 10, and I think I know what he thinks, because I thought the same when I was a player. I think I’m lucky to have this player on my team, but also he’s lucky because with number 10, I can understand better than other coaches.”

Xavi reveals why he is enjoying working under De Zerbi

The former Leipzig man has admitted that he is really enjoying working under the 46-year-old, who is the third different head coach he has had in his short stay in North London so far.

Xavi confessed that he particularly enjoys De Zerbi’s focus on possession play, admitting that he feels he can play at his best in the Italian’s system.

Xavi also promised Spurs fans that he and his teammates would not stop fighting in their final five games of the season after suffering heartbreak late on against Brighton.