Xavi Simons has shared what Roberto De Zerbi told him when the Italian first arrived at Tottenham three and a half months ago.
The Dutchman only played three matches under De Zerbi before picking up an ACL injury, but one could see that he instantly felt at home in the Italian’s system.
Xavi has confessed that he has a special connection with the Tottenham boss, admitting that the 46-year-old gave him confidence and the freedom to express himself on the pitch.
Spurs fans will have to wait at least a few more months to see the former RB Leipzig man in action, but the Netherlands international is extremely motivated to showcase his best in a Lilywhite shirt.
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi wanted to buy Xavi Simons at Brighton
The attacking midfielder has now revealed that De Zerbi had confessed to him that he wanted to take him to Brighton a couple of years ago, with the player convinced that the Italian is the right manager to help him fulfil his potential.
Xavi told The Athletic: “De Zerbi told me he wanted to buy me at Brighton. The confidence he has given me from day one, that is what I need to be at my best. I know with him I can really achieve the level that I want to.
“I’m not scared of who’s in front of me. I’m not scared if we are winning or losing. I always want to have the ball. I will never hide from it. I always want to make that pass, score that goal, help the team. I was scared when I was playing against my brother but now it’s like this is what I was made for. Pressure is what my mum had in her life.”
Xavi has an odd pre-match playlist
While most players would prefer hip-hop or a generally fast song to get them up for matches, the 22-year-old Spurs star prefers a classical tune.
He revealed that he usually listens to the theme song of Interstellar, which was composed by Hans Zimmer, as that is better suited to the kind of player he is.
Xavi explained: “Inside of me, I still have that little kid who loves football, and that fire keeps me going. (That theme tune) relaxes me before going onto the pitch. With my style of play, if you put some of my highlights over that song, it will go along well.”