Xavi Simons’ response to Tottenham outburst revealed as new drama erupts

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Xavi Simons has privately rejected claims that he deliberately disrespected Tottenham after his controversial sending off sparked a fresh wave of tension around the club. The on-loan star was at the centre of a storm following his furious reaction to being substituted and subsequent red card against Liverpool, an incident that triggered widespread criticism from pundits and some figures inside Spurs.

According to the report, Simons has told those close to him that his outburst was driven by frustration at his own performance and the wider situation in the match, rather than any lack of respect toward Ange Postecoglou, his teammates or the supporters. He is said to be adamant that he did not intend to undermine the manager’s authority and understands how damaging such an impression could be in a dressing room built on unity and discipline.

Inside Tottenham, the incident is understood to have led to difficult conversations, with senior figures keen to reinforce standards of behaviour while also managing the situation carefully to avoid a deeper rift. Some staff were angered by the optics of a young loanee appearing to challenge the manager so openly, while others are more sympathetic, viewing the episode as a youthful emotional spillover rather than a sign of deeper disrespect.

The article explains that Simons has been reminded of the expectations at a top Premier League club and the importance of body language and reactions, especially in high-profile televised matches. At the same time, there is recognition of his competitive edge and the value he can bring on the pitch once his suspension is served.

The fresh drama has arrived at a delicate moment for Tottenham, with injuries, suspensions and external scrutiny already testing the squad’s mentality. How Postecoglou and the club choose to handle Simons’ reintegration after his ban is portrayed as a key test of both the player’s maturity and the manager’s man-management, with all sides keen to prevent one flashpoint from defining the remainder of his spell at Spurs.