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Thomas Frank has revealed why he was very encouraged by Xavi Simons’ performance for Tottenham against Copenhagen and explained his decision to take off the attacking midfielder.
The 22-year-old desperately needed a good performance to absolve some of the pressure that had been building on him over recent weeks.
Xavi has already been labelled a flop, just a few months after his big-money move from RB Leipzig, while some pundits have even suggested that Tottenham are dreaming if they expect Xavi to come good.
However, on Tuesday, the Netherlands international showcased his quality in the number ten role, delivering an impressive assist with a lovely through ball for Brennan Johnson’s opener.
Thomas Frank reveals two things that pleased him about Tottenham star Xavi Simons
The Tottenham boss suggested that the attacking unit gelled very well against Copenhagen, and complimented the ball that Xavi played for Johnson’s opener.
He also pointed out that the summer signing looked a lot sharper than he has done over recent weeks and got into the right pockets.
Frank told Football.London after Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Copenhagen: “I think it was a step forward. I liked what I saw from Brennan, it was classic Brennan, running in behind. And I really liked the assist from Xavi. Very good assist from Xavi. So happy that it was a goal from Brennan, assist from Xavi.”
When asked specifically about Xavi’s performance, the Spurs boss responded: “I will say two things. One, I think that was a step forward today. I’m very happy for him. I think it was a good assist, and I agree with you. A little bit more sharpness for him and the other players. I think he probably had one more assist.
“I think he found good pockets, good spaces. I’m really pleased with that. Of course, I understand his disappointment at the moment. But it’s always about the team, of course. At that stage, it’s 2-0.”
Frank explains why he took off Xavi against Copenhagen
Four minutes after Brennan Johnson’s sending off, Frank decided to bring Joao Palhinha on for the Dutchman, who did not look happy to be coming off.
The 52-year-old revealed he felt Spurs needed more defensive solidity after going a man down, but admitted that Xavi would have liked to stay on.
When asked what he said to the 22-year-old when he came off, Frank responded: “I don’t know, I didn’t say too much, I think. Of course, everyone wants to play, and he saw the opportunity to maybe play a little bit more. It’s just at that point, at 2-0, you don’t really know, so I thought ‘ok we do a little bit more defensive’, swapping Joao, so that’s why we did it.”
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