New Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has addressed fan criticism over his historic backing of Mason Greenwood.
Before De Zerbi’s appointment, three supporters’ groups — all officially recognised by the club — urged the north London outfit against pursuing the Italian, citing his backing of the former Manchester United forward, with whom he worked at Marseille.
After De Zerbi was confirmed as Igor Tudor’s successor on March 31, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, condemned the decision.
De Zerbi addressed the backlash in a video released on the club’s social media feeds on Thursday, saying he is “sorry if I offended anyone’s feelings with this subject matter”.
“I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women or violence against anyone more broadly,” he said. “In my life I’ve always stood up for those who are more vulnerable, more fragile. I’ve consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most at risk.
“Those of you who know me well will know that I’m not the kind of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title.
“I have a daughter and I’m very sensitive to these things, and I always have been. I hope that over time people will get to know me better and will understand that at that moment I didn’t mean to take a stance.”
The Athletic has approached Proud Lilywhites, Women of The Lane and Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust for comment.
De Zerbi frequently backed Greenwood publicly as a player and a person after the forward joined Marseille from United in summer 2024, when the 46-year-old was head coach of the Ligue 1 side.
While playing for United, Greenwood, who came through the academy at the Premier League club, was arrested on January 31, 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault, and further arrested on February 1, 2022 on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill.
He was charged in October 2022 with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. All three charges related to the same woman.
He had been due to stand trial in November 2023, but the charges were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in early February 2023. Upon the discontinuation of the charges, the CPS said “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.” Greenwood denied all allegations against him.
After a loan spell at Spanish side Getafe, Greenwood joined Marseille shortly after De Zerbi’s appointment as head coach in July 2024.
De Zerbi left Marseille on February 11 after less than two years, the same day Spurs sacked Thomas Frank. The former Brighton & Hove Albion coach has taken over at Tottenham with the club 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
He has agreed a five-year deal with Spurs, and insisted that he will be at the club next season “no matter what.”
Asked about his footballing philosophy, De Zerbi replied: “I think it’s not the right moment to speak about my philosophy of football. I’m here now, at the end of the season, because we have to win games.
“In football, the style of play, the tactical disposition are importnat. But there is a mentality, and I would like to help the players reach the best mentality they can show.
“I signed five years of contract because for me its a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.”