Simons receives support from Leipzig coach after Koeman’s criticism: ‘Give him the right role’

NOS Football•today, 1:50 PM

RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose has stood up for his pupil Xavi Simons. The Dutch international was criticized last week by national coach Ronald Koeman that he lost too much ball during the practice match against Scotland, which was won 4-0.

“I can only advise the Netherlands to try to place Xavi in ​​a role where he can demonstrate his obvious qualities,” Rose said.

“I have been in contact with Xavi,” he continued. “My advice was to listen to the national coach and accept things. But we can also see things a little differently in Leipzig.”

Simons is having a strong season with Leipzig, number five in the Bundesliga. He is on loan from Paris Saint-Germain and has already scored nine goals this season. In the Dutch team, however, Simons is still waiting for his first goal after thirteen matches.

Rose also sees that there is room for improvement. “Xavi accepts that, I think he is the last who is not ready for that,” said the coach. “He is never satisfied, he always wants more. He is a really good boy.”

Simons was the player with the most ball loss for the Dutch team against Scotland.

“He wants to be good for the Dutch national team,” Koeman said afterwards. “Xavi is quite self-critical and also says that he lost the ball too often and that this is not possible. In your own half you always have to think about keeping possession of the ball, and that cannot happen in those places. I can expect him to develops there.”