Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has echoed Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s comments about Florian Wirtz, insisting fans must show patience with new signings adapting to life in the Premier League.
Speaking after Tottenham’s recent fixture, Frank drew a parallel between Xavi Simons’ early weeks in North London and Wirtz’s adjustment period at Liverpool following his £100 million move from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
> “That’s a very good comparison with Wirtz, who is also a very good player,” Frank said. “It’s a new country, new club, new city — these things take time. You just need to settle in.”
Simons, who joined Spurs from RB Leipzig in a deal worth around £52 million, has shown flashes of brilliance but is still searching for consistency. Frank, however, believes both players are heading in the right direction.
> “Was there a big eye-catching moment? No, but there were good glimpses. It’s constantly going a little bit in the right direction,” he added.
His remarks mirror those of Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, who recently defended Wirtz’s start at Anfield. Despite the 21-year-old not yet producing eye-catching numbers, Slot insists his overall contribution has been vital.
> “If you’re signed for that kind of money, people will always look at goals and assists,” Slot explained. “But I can tell you he could easily be on six or seven assists already. It’s normal that you need time to adjust when you move to a new country and league.”
Both managers appear united in their belief that young, high-profile arrivals deserve patience as they adapt to the intensity and physicality of English football.
The comparisons between Simons and Wirtz underline the challenges facing Europe’s brightest talents as they transition into the Premier League spotlight — and the importance of managerial support in helping them thrive.
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