Tottenham Hotspur are once again stuck in a familiar and uncomfortable place, searching for direction while another season threatens to drift away.
What began with cautious optimism under Thomas Frank is now clouded by frustration, uncertainty, and a growing sense that the club’s attacking identity has faded.
The latest defeat, a limp 3–0 loss away to Nottingham Forest, did more than damage Spurs’ league position. It reinforced the feeling that the team lacks confidence, cohesion, and clarity in how it wants to play.
Mistakes were everywhere at the City Ground. Passes went astray, defensive lapses were punished, and going forward Tottenham looked short of ideas.
The performance was flat and disjointed, and it followed a pattern supporters have seen too often this season. While the memory of European success still lingers, it no longer masks the deeper issues that have slowed progress over recent months.
Frank continues to insist that his project needs time, but patience among the fanbase is wearing thin, especially with results failing to improve.
Tottenham currently find themselves sitting in mid-table, a position that feels disappointing given the talent within the squad.
One win in seven league matches has widened the gap between Spurs and the teams competing for Champions League places. The concern is not just about points dropped, but about how those points are being lost.
Spurs no longer look like a side with a clear footballing identity. The attacking spark that once made them exciting to watch has been dulled, yet defensive solidity has not replaced it.
This struggle is reflected clearly in the numbers. Tottenham are creating far fewer chances than many of their rivals, and their attacking output has fallen well below what is expected from a club with their ambitions. Even allowing for injuries to key creative players, the drop-off is stark and worrying.
Below is a simple look at how Tottenham compare to other Premier League sides in terms of expected goals this season:
| Club | League Position | Expected Goals (xG) |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 2nd | 30.3 |
| Chelsea | 4th | 26.9 |
| Manchester United | 8th | 26.8 |
| Arsenal | 1st | 26.5 |
| Crystal Palace | 5th | 26.2 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 11th | 15.2 |
These figures paint a clear picture. Tottenham are not creating enough, and that responsibility ultimately falls on the manager. Frank inherited a squad that lacked balance, but he also took charge with the freedom to reshape the team’s style.
Instead of building something bold and progressive, Spurs have often looked cautious and predictable, struggling to string together meaningful attacks.
One player who could benefit enormously from a clearer attacking structure is Xavi Simons. The Dutch midfielder arrived with high expectations, and while his start in north London has been uneven, the raw talent is obvious.
He presses well, works tirelessly, and shows flashes of creativity that hint at a top-class player. However, he has walked into a system that does not consistently put its creative players in positions to thrive.
That is why talk of a potential managerial change has begun to grow louder. Reports from Spain suggest that the club’s owners are becoming increasingly uneasy about the lack of progress under Frank.
While there is no rush decision yet, there is a sense that Tottenham are exploring alternatives who could bring a long-term vision rather than another short-term fix.
One name that continues to surface is Xavi Hernandez. The former Barcelona manager has spoken openly in the past about his desire to work in the Premier League, and his footballing philosophy feels aligned with what many Spurs fans crave.
Xavi believes deeply in proactive, possession-based football, built around intelligence, movement, and technical quality. His preferred 4-3-3 system is designed to dominate the ball and create overloads in attacking areas.
During his time at Barcelona, Xavi faced immense pressure but still delivered a league title, restoring control and identity to a club that had lost its way. His teams were built on structure with freedom, allowing creative players to express themselves within a clear framework.
It is no surprise that respected voices within football have placed him among the very best thinkers in the game, with some even comparing his understanding of football to Pep Guardiola’s.
Under Xavi, Barcelona were one of the most dominant possession sides in Spain, as shown below:
| Club | Final Position | Average Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 1st | 64.3% |
| Real Madrid | 2nd | 60.9% |
| Villarreal | 5th | 56.9% |
| Real Sociedad | 4th | 54.6% |
| Sevilla | 12th | 52.6% |
This approach could be transformative for a player like Simons. Despite Tottenham’s struggles, the Dutchman already ranks highly among his peers for progressive passing, ball recoveries, and overall involvement.
Those numbers suggest a player ready to take control of games, if given the right environment. In a system that values possession and intelligent movement, Simons could become the creative heartbeat of the side, operating between the lines and driving Spurs forward.
There is also a poetic element to the idea. Simons spent part of his youth career at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, where Xavi himself was shaped into a world-class midfielder.
The possibility of the two working together again, this time in the Premier League, feels like a natural fit rather than a gamble.
For Tottenham, the coming weeks could be decisive. If results continue to slide and performances remain uninspiring, pressure on Frank will only grow. Supporters are not demanding instant success, but they do want to see a clear plan and a style of football that reflects the club’s ambition.
A manager who can unlock the potential of players like Xavi Simons, restore confidence, and give Spurs a recognisable identity may be exactly what is needed.
Whether that future includes Xavi Hernandez or not, one thing is clear. Tottenham cannot afford to drift much longer. The dream for Simons, and for Spurs as a whole, depends on bold decisions and a return to football that excites, dominates, and inspires belief once again.
