Thomas Frank, manager of Tottenham Hotspur, recently defended his decisions regarding player selection amid criticism from pundits. His comments come as the team struggles to find consistency, particularly with the performance of £51 million signing Xavi Simons.
Performance Challenges for Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons, a 22-year-old midfielder from RB Leipzig, has yet to score for Tottenham. Since his transfer, he has managed only two assists across 16 appearances. Frank acknowledges the challenges young players face when transitioning to the Premier League.
Recent Match Performance
- Tottenham has secured only three wins in their last 12 matches.
- The club conceded nine goals in recent games against Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
- In their latest Champions League encounter, Spurs lost 5-3 to PSG despite a better attacking display.
Frank insists he remains largely unaffected by critics. He stated, “I literally don’t care what they say.” His focus lies on performances and the adjustments each player brings to the team. This approach includes assessing the contributions of players like Simons, who was benched during crucial matches.
Upcoming Fixture Against Fulham
Tottenham will face Fulham at home, aiming to improve their lackluster record of just three home wins this year. Frank hopes for a breakthrough performance from Simons, similar to what Randal Kolo Muani achieved against PSG.
Development and Team Dynamics
Frank emphasized the importance of team cohesion and performance metrics for selecting players. He discussed the need for contributions in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. “With the offense, it’s about creating opportunities and pressing with the right intensity,” he noted.
As Tottenham seeks to regain its footing in the league, Frank remains committed to playing an attacking style of football. He expressed frustration when strategies do not yield results, especially against formidable opponents like Arsenal.
Conclusion
In summary, Frank is unfazed by external criticisms while navigating the complexities of player integration and team performance. As Tottenham prepares for the challenge against Fulham, all eyes will be on Xavi Simons for a potential turnaround in form.
