Xavi Simons believes big things are coming at Tottenham under Roberto De Zerbi after he assured the club of their Premier League status.
De Zerbi took over as Spurs’ third head coach of the 2025-26 season, replacing Igor Tudor, who failed to win a single top-flight game after he succeeded Thomas Frank.
The Italian took charge of seven games, winning three of those (D2 L2), including a 1-0 victory over Everton on the final day of the season, which was enough to keep them up.
Spurs made a marked improvement in their final run of matches, with De Zerbi’s first win in charge – a 1-0 victory over Wolves – ending a run of 15 Premier League games without defeat.
And Simons, who missed the final few games of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, believes Spurs will only continue to grow.
“It’s been a really difficult season, especially for the fans, I would say, but with the new coach, like Roberto coming in, we were really happy with him,” he told CBS.
“I think there was a really good connection between the players and the staff. You could see in the last couple of games, even though I couldn’t play, I was seeing it on the pitch, and the guys had a new boost and new vibe.
“That was something really positive, and now, going into next season, I think really big things are coming with the coach.”
In the Premier League, Simons netted two goals and registered five assists, with his 34 chances created the second-highest tally by a Spurs player in the competition (behind Pedro Porro’s 53).
The Dutchman is confident he can only continue to improve when he returns to the pitch under De Zerbi’s guidance.
“A lot of players already spoke about him, but I would say for me, there was an extra boost because I know the way he wants to play,” he added.
“I know as well that he was an attacking midfielder too. As a player, like me, and the position that I play, I like to have freedom, and I think he gave and is giving me that.
“That’s something that is really important and can bring my best game out. So, I’m really happy about that.”
Spurs begin their 2026-26 Premier League season away to Brentford on August 22.
