De Zerbi addresses Mason Greenwood comments in first Tottenham interview
New Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has used his first official club interview to address criticism over past comments he made about Mason Greenwood. The Italian, who was appointed by Spurs earlier this week, faced immediate backlash from sections of the club's support due to remarks made while managing the forward at Olympique de Marseille last year.
In the interview published on Tottenham's official website on Thursday, De Zerbi sought to clarify his position. "I never wanted to minimise the problem of violence against women or violence against anyone in general," 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, "I have a daughter, I am very sensitive to these issues."
The coach's latest statements mark a shift in tone from comments he made in late 2025, when Greenwood was his player at Marseille. At that time, De Zerbi described Greenwood as "a good person" and stated he does not "enter into the private lives of players," adding that the player had "paid a heavy price for what happened." Greenwood joined Marseille in 2024 after Manchester United concluded an internal investigation into allegations made against him, for which he was never convicted. The forward has remained persona non grata in English football since the allegations surfaced in 2022.
Following the announcement of De Zerbi's appointment at Tottenham, several prominent supporter groups issued a joint statement calling for the club to reconsider the hiring. The groups described De Zerbi's earlier comments on Greenwood as "ill-judged and deeply offensive," creating an immediate public relations challenge for the new manager before his tenure had formally begun.
In his interview, De Zerbi expressed regret for any hurt caused. "I am sorry if I hurt anyone's sensitivity," he said. "I hope that with time, people will get to know me better and understand that at that moment, I did not intend to take a position." He also emphasised his professional principles, stating, "Those of you who know me well know that I am not the type to make compromises to win more matches."
The episode presents an early test of De Zerbi's relationship with the Tottenham fanbase as he prepares for the 2026-27 season. His primary task will be to build on the club's recent successes, but this controversy has introduced an off-pitch element requiring careful management. The club has stood by its appointment, providing the platform for this clarifying interview in an apparent effort to draw a line under the matter and allow focus to return to sporting matters.
