Thomas Frank has made it clear that he is not interested in outside noise or opinions when it comes to the criticism surrounding his Tottenham Hotspur team. Since joining Spurs, he has accepted that defeats and criticism come with the job, but he refuses to let pundits, former players, or media voices influence the decisions he makes.
His focus remains on his players, his staff, and the people he trusts, not the commentary that comes from outside the club.
The spotlight has been shining particularly bright on Xavi Simons, the club’s £51 million summer signing from RB Leipzig. At just 22, the talented Dutchman arrived with high expectations, but he has found it difficult to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup.
With only two assists and no goals across his first 16 appearances, many fans and pundits have questioned why he has not started key matches, especially the recent defeats to Arsenal and PSG.
Frank understands the frustration but insists that adjusting to the Premier League is rarely simple for any player arriving from abroad. He explained that Xavi has shown a good attitude, even after being left out of the starting XI.
The manager believes it is only natural for a young player to need time to adapt to the pace, intensity, and physical demands of the league. Every game is different, and every opponent requires a specific tactical approach.
His decisions are not based on names or price tags but purely on performance and what each player can offer in a given match.
He also pointed out that this is not a situation unique to Xavi. Other players, including Mo Kudus, Wilson Odobert, Joao Palhinha, and others, have all been rotated depending on what the team needs. For Frank, selection is not about reputation but about the balance of the team and the demands of the match.
He emphasises that offensive players must contribute both with and without the ball creating chances, playing forward quickly, pressing with intensity, and working hard defensively.
At the same time, they must be strong on set-pieces, both attacking and defending. If a player is not delivering consistently in these areas, he will adjust the lineup accordingly.
The pressure on Frank has grown recently due to Spurs’ dip in form. After a bright start under the new manager, Tottenham have managed only three wins in their last 12 matches.
They have struggled defensively, conceding nine goals to Arsenal and PSG in just a few days. Although there were signs of improvement in the 5-3 loss to PSG, the scoreline still highlights the gaps Frank is trying to fix.
At home, Spurs have also been far from convincing, securing only three home wins in 2025. This is unfamiliar territory for Frank, who last season guided Brentford to become one of the most dangerous home teams in the Premier League.
He reflected on how everything had clicked for his previous squad, especially with a front four that delivered goals and energy every week. That level of understanding and rhythm is something he believes will eventually develop within his Tottenham squad as well.
As Spurs prepare to face Fulham, Frank hopes this match could be the moment his attack finally comes together. He knows they need more goals, more creativity, and more confidence in the final third.
When asked if this could be the breakout game for Xavi Simons, Frank acknowledged it is very possible. He believes Xavi has the talent to explode at any moment it simply depends on how well the team functions around him and how effectively they break down their opponents.
Frank also reacted strongly to suggestions that he is a negative or overly cautious manager. He insists his philosophy has always been about proactive, attacking football.
Whether he was coaching youth teams decades ago or managing in the Premier League today, his intention has always been to build teams that press, play forward, and dominate games.
He admitted that not every plan works every time, referencing the defeat at Arsenal where Spurs failed to impose their style. But he was more encouraged by the performance against PSG, where he felt the team showed the competitive spirit and identity he wants to build.
Frank’s message is consistent: progress takes time, new signings need patience, and criticism will not change the path he believes is right for Tottenham. He remains confident that the team will click, the goals will come, and players like Xavi Simons will eventually show the quality that brought them to the club.
