Roberto De Zerbi Addresses Past Comments Amid Fan Concerns
Roberto De Zerbi, recently appointed manager of Tottenham Hotspur, has issued an apology for past remarks regarding Mason Greenwood, clarifying that he did not intend to trivialize violence against women.
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust (THST) released a statement on Tuesday, shortly after confirming De Zerbi’s five-year contract to succeed interim manager Igor Tudor. The trust criticized the appointment, highlighting “serious and widespread concerns” from fans.
Opposition is also mounting from several fan organizations, including Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane, and Spurs Reach. In their statement, THST urged both the club and the new manager to publicly reaffirm their dedication to the core values cherished by fans, such as equality, respect, and integrity.
During his inaugural interview with the club’s internal media, De Zerbi chose to respond in Italian for clarity. He emphasized, “I have never intended to downplay the issue of violence against women or anyone else.” He expressed his long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals, stating that those who know him understand his unwavering principles.
De Zerbi expressed regret if his previous comments offended anyone, particularly noting his sensitivity as a father to a daughter. He added, “I hope that in time, people will come to understand my true intentions.”
Mason Greenwood, who faced serious charges in 2022—including attempted rape and assault—had his case dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023, following recantations from key witnesses. Despite the controversy, Greenwood joined Marseille on a permanent deal in 2024, when De Zerbi was in charge. The coach described Greenwood as a “good person” and expressed sadness over the public perception of him.
In hiring De Zerbi, Tottenham reportedly weighed his previous comments regarding Greenwood during the interview process. Notably, his contract lacks a break clause in the event of relegation—a first for the club since 1977. As De Zerbi prepares for his first match against Sunderland next week, he has expressed a commitment to the long-term vision for the team.
He stated, “I signed a five-year contract because this is a significant challenge for me, and regardless of circumstances, I will be Tottenham’s manager next season.” Addressing the current difficulties at the club, he believes in the potential of the players and is focused on restoring their confidence and harnessing their abilities.
