Xavi Simons has lauded Tottenham Hotspur's fanbase whilst pledging to keep battling as his side fights to stave off relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
Spurs' hopes of survival took another hit on Saturday when Georginio Rutter struck in stoppage time to earn Brighton and Hove Albion a point in London. Simons had appeared to set his side up for a desperately needed victory when he netted a stunning goal 13 minutes from time to put Spurs 2-1 ahead.
However, Rutter drew the visitors level in the fifth minute of added time, leaving Roberto De Zerbi's side stuck in the bottom three. Taking to social media in the aftermath, Simons defiantly declared: "We will NOT stop fighting...Crowd was amazing today."
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Following the game, the Dutch international conceded, as per football.london: "The goal in the last minute hurts. I think the fans were fantastic and we have to keep working through this.
"You could see the atmosphere that was in the stadium from the first minute and we as players feel that as well. What I can say is we are really working hard to go through this situation.
"The new manager is coming in, so we have to adapt on things, but we are going in the right direction and we are going to work hard for the last five games."
Before adding: "I have been through a difficult journey I would say this season, but it is life and I am still young and I have to learn things.
"I am really happy the coach is here and for me especially. I want to play football, I want to score and assist and I want to help the team to go through this situation together.
"These are the kind of games I want to be on the pitch and show everyone I can help the team. I am just putting the work in morning, afternoon and night. I want to really help the team and that is the most important thing."
De Zerbi, meanwhile, has declared he shares a 'special connection' with Simons, remarking: "He's lucky to work with me – not because I'm good, because I was number 10.
"What he thinks now, I thought 20 years ago. So, we have a special connection. I have a special connection with all number 10s I work with. I love a number 10.
"A number 10 has to understand that he has to score and he has to make assists, not just play to be nice to the people – goals and assists."
He went on to add: "He played very well, a great game. I think he can play better and better, because a player like this, he needs to feel confidence from the manager and I stay here to transfer all the confidence he needs."