Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has expressed that he has already developed a “special connection” with Xavi Simons.
This came just as Spurs were on the verge of escaping the Premier League relegation zone on Saturday. However, they conceded a last-minute equalizer in a 2-2 draw against De Zerbi’s former team, Brighton.
Simons played a key role in the match, assisting Pedro Porro‘s opening goal against the Seagulls, hitting the post shortly after, and then scoring a magnificent goal in the 77th minute to restore his team’s lead.
Having played in a similar role during his own career, De Zerbi believes he is well-equipped to maximize Simons’ potential.
“He’s fortunate to work with me—not just because I’m good, but because I was a No. 10,” De Zerbi told SpursPlay. “What he’s thinking now, I was thinking 20 years ago. Therefore, we have a special connection. I tend to form strong bonds with all the No. 10s I work with.”
De Zerbi has collected just one point from a possible six since taking over from Igor Tudor, starting his tenure with a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.
Tottenham remains just a point away from safety, but they risk falling four points behind in the relegation race if 17th-placed West Ham secures a win against Crystal Palace on Monday night.
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The Spurs will return to the pitch against the bottom-placed Wolves on Saturday, still searching for their first league victory of 2026.
Simons, who saw his exceptional strike equaled by Brighton substitute Georginio Rutter five minutes into stoppage time, has made notable contributions this season with two goals and five assists in 27 league games after joining from RB Leipzig for £52 million last summer.
“He played excellently—what a performance,” De Zerbi remarked about the 22-year-old. “I believe he can continue to improve because a player of his caliber needs to feel confidence from the manager, and I’m here to provide him with all the encouragement he needs.”