Tottenham: Xavi Simons reveals how Thomas Frank convinced him of £52m Spurs move | OneFootball

The Dutchman was impressed by his new manager’s view of the game

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Xavi Simons has revealed that the prospect of working under Thomas Frank was key in his decision to join Tottenham.

The Dutch forward moved from RB Leipzig to Spurs late in the transfer window for £52million, snubbing transfer interest from Chelsea.

He was unveiled ahead of Tottenham’s home Premier League defeat to Bournemouth, but Spurs supporters will be made to wait until after the international break to watch him play in Lilywhite.

Speaking from the Netherlands’ camp to Dutch outlet AD, he explained that Frank’s management style convinced him of a move to Spurs.

“I always think the coaches are the most important people to base a decision on,” he said. “As a player, you see a coach more than your family.

"[Frank] told me a lot. Positive things, but also things I need to improve. It's fantastic how he sees football, how he wants to make players better.”

Conversations with managers have been key to Simons’ past transfer moves, but Frank’s pitch was a cut above, leaving him convinced that Hotspur Stadium could be a long-term home: “I heard different things from Thomas Frank than I've heard from other coaches in the past.

“Spurs is the right place for me to develop. And it's great that he was honest, that he wants to improve things for me."

He went on, adding that he was grateful for his time with Leipzig and PSV Eindhoven, after which he feels prepared to step up to the Premier League.

"I am ready for the Premier League now. I'm making the right moves at the right time.

“Taking a big step right away—that's on everyone's mind, I think. But step by step, that's how the best results come."

Simons will appear for the Netherlands in World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Lithuania this week before returning to north London to train with his Spurs teammates for the first time.

He could play his first minutes for Tottenham as early as September 13 when they visit West Ham for a London derby clash.