De Zerbi addresses Greenwood comments in first Tottenham interview
Roberto De Zerbi has used his first official interview as Tottenham Hotspur head coach to address the controversy stemming from his past comments in support of Mason Greenwood. The Italian, appointed earlier this week to lead the club's fight against relegation, spoke directly to the club's media channels on Tuesday in an attempt to clarify his position.
De Zerbi stated that he never intended to minimize the problem of violence against women, or violence against anyone in general. According to a transcript released by the club, he said, 'In my life, I have always defended the most vulnerable, the most fragile. I have always fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most exposed.' He added an apology, saying, 'I am sorry if I offended anyone's sensitivity.'
The comments refer to De Zerbi's public defense of Mason Greenwood in 2024 while he was manager of Marseille. At the time, De Zerbi described the forward, then linked with a move to the French club, as 'a good guy' who had 'paid a high price.' Greenwood had been facing charges of attempted rape, assault, and coercive control before the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued its case in February 2023 following the withdrawal of key witnesses. Manchester United subsequently conducted an internal investigation and announced in August 2023 that Greenwood would leave the club, a decision welcomed by many supporters and women's advocacy groups.
De Zerbi's past remarks had prompted immediate concern from several prominent Tottenham supporter groups upon his appointment, including the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust, Proud Lilywhites, and Women of the Lane. According to a report in The Guardian, the club's hierarchy was aware of the potential backlash from sections of the fanbase but proceeded with the appointment regardless.
In his interview, De Zerbi sought to explain his previous stance by referencing his managerial philosophy. 'When a player becomes my player… I will always defend him as I would defend my son,' he said, reiterating a long-held principle. He then attempted to reconcile this with his current position, adding, 'I have a daughter, I am very sensitive to these issues, and I always have been.'
The new Spurs coach concluded by hoping that time would allow people to understand his character better. 'I hope that with time, people will get to know me better and understand that at that time, I did not intend to take a position,' he said. His primary task remains sporting, with Tottenham currently embroiled in a tense battle to avoid dropping out of the Premier League. The episode highlights the ongoing scrutiny of club decisions regarding figures associated with off-field controversies, even as the immediate focus shifts to results on the pitch.
