New Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has issued an apology to supporters after previous remarks about Mason Greenwood sparked criticism. His arrival at Tottenham Hotspur has already been met with resistance from some fan groups, largely due to comments he made while managing the forward during their time together at Marseille.
New Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has issued an apology to supporters after previous remarks about Mason Greenwood sparked criticism. His arrival at Tottenham Hotspur has already been met with resistance from some fan groups, largely due to comments he made while managing the forward during their time together at Marseille.
Greenwood had faced serious allegations in 2022, including attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. However, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case in February 2023, citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence, concluding there was no realistic prospect of conviction.
Speaking on the club’s official platform, De Zerbi stressed he never intended to minimise issues such as violence against women or any form of abuse. He insisted he has always supported vulnerable individuals and taken a firm stance in their defence throughout his career.
The 46-year-old acknowledged that his earlier words may have caused offence, expressing regret to those affected. He added that, as a father, he is particularly sensitive to such matters and hopes that over time supporters will better understand his intentions, which he says were not meant to take sides.
The remarks in question date back to November, when De Zerbi spoke about Greenwood’s situation while working in France. At the time, he said he preferred not to involve himself in players’ private lives and emphasised giving individuals personal freedom.
He described Greenwood as a “good lad” who had suffered significantly from the situation, suggesting the player had found a supportive environment at Marseille. De Zerbi also stated that his personal experience with Greenwood differed from the image portrayed in England, adding that he felt sympathy for what the player had gone through.
These comments drew strong criticism from sections of the Tottenham fanbase, with one supporters’ group describing them as unnecessary, poorly judged, and offensive. Critics argued that the statements appeared to downplay the seriousness of the allegations and portray Greenwood as a victim.
After leaving Manchester United, Greenwood spent time on loan at Getafe CF before completing a permanent move to Olympique de Marseille in July 2024. The deal was reported to be worth up to £26.6 million.
Since then, the forward has scored 47 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions. He also finished as Ligue 1’s joint top scorer last season with 21 goals, alongside Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain.
De Zerbi takes charge of Tottenham at a difficult moment, with the club sitting 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone. His appointment follows the dismissal of interim coach Igor Tudor.
The Italian acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, describing the situation as one of the biggest challenges of his career. Despite the club’s precarious position, he has committed his future to Tottenham, having signed a five-year contract.
He stated clearly that he intends to remain in charge regardless of whether the team avoids relegation, underlining his long-term vision for the club. De Zerbi expressed belief in the squad, pointing to the quality within the team as a foundation for recovery.
With a winless league run stretching back to 28 December, his immediate priority is to restore confidence and results. He emphasised the importance of rediscovering the players’ identity and strengths, insisting the team has the ability to overcome its current struggles.
