Roberto De Zerbi explains why he already has a ‘special connection’ with Xavi Simons at Tottenham

SportFootballRoberto De Zerbi explains why he already has a ‘special connection’ with Xavi Simons at TottenhamTottenham were denied a first league win of 2026 when they conceded a late equaliser in their 2-2 draw with Brighton on SaturdayEdward Elliot Monday 20 April 2026 13:53 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2961091","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/xavi-simons-de-zerbi-tottenham-brighton-b2961091.html","title":"De Zerbi explains why he already has a ‘special connection’ with Simons at Tottenham"}}open image in gallery{"id":"trigger-autogallery-26940","index":0}Roberto De Zerbi is still waiting for his first win at Tottenham (Getty)Inside Sport newsletter: Get an expert guide to the biggest moments shaping the world of sportGet our free Inside Sport newsletterGet our free Inside Sport newsletterEmail*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"regSourceNewsletter":"IND_Inside_Sport_CDP","regTitle":"Inside Sport","subscriptionGroup":"inside_sport","subscriptionGroupId":"9cec95c5-a973-40ac-9b05-03d636c07853","type":"sport","pathPrefix":["/sport","/f1"],"associatedAuthors":["Lawrence Ostlere","Kieran Jackson"],"title":"Inside Sport newsletter: Get an expert guide to the biggest moments shaping the world of sport","mobileTitle":"Get our free Inside Sport newsletter","imageSrc":"https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/InsideSport1_1.png","newsletterKey":"receiveInsideSportNews","regSourceSection":"Football","regSourceMethod":"NSCs"},"isClimate":false}Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi believes he already has a "special connection" with Xavi Simons after t...