Thomas Frank makes Xavi Simons admission after Tottenham fall flat against Wolves: 'It didn't really work' | OneFootball

Simons was brought off in the second half despite Spurs pushing for an equaliser

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Thomas Frank admitted Xavi Simons' spell at No10 "didn't really work" after a quiet performance again Wolves.

Simons started on the left wing and had very little impact in the first half, before moving into a central position on the hour mark as Spurs pushed for a leveller.

The summer signing remained largely ineffective there, though, and Frank ultimately brought him off for Pape Matar Sarr despite Spurs needing to find a goal.

"I think Xavi, he had some good actions," Frank said.

"Also carrying the ball forward and they had to foul him three or four times. But there was a lot of situations where he was not as sharp, I think that's fair to say. I think he would say the same himself.

"But I also think it's natural. You're coming into a new team, a new league. To find that rhythm quick is difficult. And I also think that we said the other time, I think we're very happy with the Brighton performance in many ways.

"I think the first half [against Wolves] was positive also, you know, offensive. But that free flow, floating to have it enough, you know, that we need to keep working on. And then there are just some days where you don't hit the highest level."

Simons played at No10 against Doncaster in the Carabao Cup but his starts in the Premier League have so far all come on the left wing.

Asked if that was because he did not feel Simons had yet adjusted to English football and the demands in a more central position, Frank responded: "No, I don't think [that]. I think it's trying to get the right balance into the team.

"For me also to learn the players and find out how we can get the best players on the pitch at the right time.

"So that I'm of course looking into. I'm very aware that Xavi he can play as a 10. He also got in as a 10 against Brighton because that was the third game in a week.

"And I think that was positive. I think today when he got in as a 10, it didn't really work. And that was not only because of him, by the way. I think the team, the whole team was out of sync in the last 35 minutes or something like that.

"But of course, I try to look into what is the best midfield. I think it's fair to say both Rodri and Joao have been very good for us so far in the season. And Lucas has been fantastic so you like to keep your players that are a little bit in the flow."