Tottenham Hotspur could reunite one of Europe's most exciting partnerships ahead of the North London Derby
Xavi Simons has previously claimed that he and Marco Rose are a 'top combination'. The former RB Leipzig boss has recently emerged as one of the many potential candidates to fill the vacant head coach position at Tottenham Hotspur.
According to The Telegraph, the Lilywhites have shortlisted Rose and Edin Terzic as potential successors to Thomas Frank, with the interview process now underway. The report claims that the duo are of interest to Spurs, but it remains unclear whether they are viewed as interim or permanent options.
It's said that Roberto De Zerbi, Mauricio Pochettino and Robbie Keane are also thought to be 'prominent' in internal discussions. Despite strong competition, Rose has been named as the new bookies' favourite to take the reins.
The 49-year-old has been without a job since March 2025, when he was sacked by Leipzig. Rose enjoyed a fruitful two-and-a-half-year stint at the Red Bull Arena, winning the DFB-Pokal.
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Simons worked closely with the German at Die Roten Bullen, scoring 18 goals and providing 22 assists in 68 games across all competitions. Together, they won the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, smashing Bayern Munich in a three-goal thriller at the Allianz Arena.
In an interview with the Bundesliga website before they parted ways, Simons showered Rose with praise. The 22-year-old midfielder, whom Tottenham signed from Leipzig for £51mILLION in the summer, said: "Top combination, I would say. No, he's a coach.
"I heard from him before I came here, and, yeah, really honest coach, if things go well and things don't go too well, he would tell you, for sure. He really wants you to improve and, at the end of the day, being successful with the team, that's the most important thing for him."
Rose was just as complimentary of Simons during their time together. Speaking to German outlet Kicker in September 2023, as quoted by Liga Insider, the former Leipzig boss said: "He's almost a prototype for what we want in our style of play.
"Our scouting department recognised this brilliantly and presented him accordingly. He enjoys chasing the ball and winning tackles, radiates tremendous energy both with and without the ball, and is also a gifted footballer."
Rose added: "The lad has a lot to offer, and yet I'm cautious with terms like 'superstar.' We should let him remain as carefree in the new league as he is right now.
"He doesn't give the impression that he needs the hype. Xavi is already showing how well he fits our playing philosophy."
Then, in January 2025, Rose welcomed Simons back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a classy message. As quoted by Bulinews after a 4-2 win over Werder Bremen, he said: "We know that Xavi is a difference-maker.
"I said to him right after the game: ‘Great job’. And I don't mean today's game, but the way he came back from his injury. The way he worked after his injury and the way he came back."