Thomas Frank makes Xavi Simons training claim as reason for Tottenham snubs revealed
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has offered his thoughts on Xavi Simons and his performances in training, while addressing the decision to bench him in Spurs’ last four matches.
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Spurs welcome Brentford to north London on Saturday, desperately needing to end a dismal run that has seen them plummet to 11th in the Premier League table with just 19 points from 14 games.
Frank’s side approach this clash winless in their last five league outings, including three defeats.
Cristian Romero’s dramatic late overhead kick salvaged a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in their last match, with a controversial VAR penalty to Newcastle denying them all three points.
Their home form has completely collapsed too, with the club now going six consecutive league matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without a single victory.
Premier League home form table
Team
Wins
Draws
Losses
Points
GD
16. Burnley
2
1
4
7
-2
17. Nottingham Forest
2
1
4
7
-5
18. West Ham
2
0
5
6
-9
19. Tottenham
1
2
4
5
-1
20. Wolves
0
1
6
1
-11
That shocking run includes 10 home defeats throughout the entire calendar year of 2025, matching the club’s worst-ever records for home losses in a single year.
Most concerning was their last appearance on home soil, where Fulham raced into a two-goal lead within the opening six minutes before securing a 2-1 victory.
The final whistle brought a cacophony of boos ringing around the stadium, aimed squarely at Frank and his struggling squad.
The ghosts of their 4-1 capitulation at Arsenal last month continue to haunt the team. During that humbling derby defeat, Tottenham managed an expected goals figure of just 0.07, one of their lowest outputs this season, highlighting their serious lack of creativity which has become a concern.
Injury problems compound Frank’s difficulties.
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Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski remain sidelined, robbing Spurs of crucial attacking impetus, with James Maddison not expected back until the new year. Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma also has no set return date yet.
The Lilywhites really need Simons to step up right now after his marquee £55 million move from RB Leipzig, but the Dutchman has scarcely been given a chance lately.
Simons’ highlights in a Spurs jersey are few and far between, with the ex-PSG sensation putting in a Player of the Match display against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League and notching an assist against West Ham way back in September.
That is, however, the sum of his contribution this season, with the ex-Eredivisie starlet attracting criticism.
Thomas Frank makes Xavi Simons training claim in response to Tottenham snubs
Simons could end up costing the club £125 million when factoring in wages, agent’s fees and other add-ons over a potential seven-year contract, but to be fair to him, it’s hard to justify that price with limited game time.
Speaking in his latest press conference, Frank addressed why he hasn’t been starting for Simons for Tottenham lately — claiming it is down to a matter of form with alternatives and different personnel for contrasting matches.
The Dane also shared how Simons has been impressing in Tottenham training lately, so it is absolutely not a question of work ethic.
With the pressure on Simons to perform, Saturday sets the perfect stage, and he could become a hero by helping to arrest the club’s barren home form through a convincing display against Frank’s former club.