“He’s Trained Fantastic” – Frank Defends Simons Amid Spurs Selection Storm
Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has publicly backed Xavi Simons after weeks of scrutiny, calling the Dutch midfielder “fantastic” in training while refusing to promise him a starting role against Brentford. The timing matters. Spurs are short of creativity, and the pressure on Frank’s team is building fast.
Simons arrived in north London in August after a £52 million move from RB Leipzig with major expectations attached. At 22, he was seen as a statement signing and a long-term creative hub for Tottenham. The reality has been more complicated. He has produced just two assists in 18 appearances across competitions, a return that does not reflect the investment or the hype that followed him into the Premier League.
There were signs of progress before the November international break. Simons looked more comfortable in tight spaces and started influencing games more consistently. Then came the surprise. Frank left him on the bench for four straight matches, a decision that raised eyebrows among supporters and pundits alike.
When asked if Simons had dropped out due to poor training standards, Frank pushed back strongly during his press conference.
He said the midfielder had “trained fantastic” in recent sessions and praised his attitude on the pitch. Frank made it clear that effort had not been the problem and added that Simons was moving “closer and closer” to a bigger role if he maintained that level of application. He also pointed out that Simons had featured as a substitute in recent matches, hinting that the door was far from closed.
The numbers now form a striking pattern. Tottenham are winless in the nine matches Simons has not started since his arrival late in the summer window. In contrast, when he starts, Spurs have registered six wins in nine. That contrast has fed the growing question around team selection, especially after last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat to Fulham.
That loss intensified the narrative. Tottenham struggled to unlock Fulham, yet one of their most naturally creative players remained on the bench. Frank defended the call by pointing to tactical choices rather than individual form. He confirmed that his preference to play with two forwards was key to Simons’ exclusion.
He referenced recent matches where Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani played together, noting that the pair both scored in a previous fixture against PSG. Frank insisted Spurs are not suffering in front of goal, citing a total of 23 goals scored, which he described as a healthy return.
The debate now shifts to Saturday’s matchup with Brentford, a fixture loaded with personal stakes for Frank. It will be his first time facing his former club since taking charge at Tottenham, and the timing could hardly be more delicate. Spurs have won just three of their last 14 matches in all competitions, a run that has drained momentum from their campaign.
A battling draw at Newcastle in midweek offered brief optimism, but the pressure remains intense. Adding to the subplot, Keith Andrews, a coach Frank once brought to Brentford, now stands in a role that could indirectly influence the contest.
Frank was generous when discussing his former club, praising Brentford’s bravery in promoting from within and highlighting Andrews’ leadership and values. Yet behind the compliments sits an obvious truth. Tottenham needs results, not sentiment.
Simons stands at the heart of the tension. If Frank turns to him against Brentford and Spurs responds, the narrative flips. If he stays on the bench and the creativity issues persist, the questions will only get louder.
The stage is set. Selection decisions will speak louder than any praise in a press conference.