Tottenham Hotspur welcomes Xavi Simons as he gears up for a significant role under the new head coach, Igor Tudor. Simons joins the squad following the recent dismissal of Thomas Frank, who faced heavy criticism after a disappointing start to 2026.
Xavi Simons’ Immediate Impact at Tottenham
Igor Tudor was appointed as interim head coach just 72 hours after the team’s loss to Newcastle. This defeat left Tottenham winless in the Premier League this year. Tudor aims to rectify this situation starting with the North London Derby against Arsenal.
Formation Changes Favoring Simons
Tudor is expected to implement a back three system that may prominently feature Simons in a No. 10 role. This tactical shift comes after Frank struggled with injuries and poor results, which forced him to alter his original plan. Simons has demonstrated better performance with changes in formation, making him a valuable asset moving forward.
Hard Work During Break
After a brief hiatus from matches, Spurs players were given five days off. However, Simons chose to maximize this time by staying at the training facility. Tudor emphasized the necessity for players to invest more effort in training, highlighting that preparation is crucial for success.
Coaching Philosophy of Igor Tudor
In his introductory remarks, Tudor expressed his awareness of the current challenges facing the team. He emphasized the importance of training, stating that it lays the groundwork for match performance. Tudor’s approach suggests a focus on both offensive strategies and defensive organization.
Team Dynamics and Injury Updates
- Simons is expected to play a crucial role against Arsenal.
- Wilson Odobert and 11 other players remain sidelined with injuries.
- Pedro Porro and Richarlison may return to the squad.
- Cristian Romero is suspended until mid-March.
- Lucas Bergvall is recovering but is not expected back until early April.
Tudor’s first training session with the team focused entirely on preparing for the upcoming derby, as he aims to turn around the club’s fortunes in the league.
