Roberto De Zerbi, newly appointed Tottenham head coach on a five-year deal, has apologised to “those who I offended” for remarks he made about Mason Greenwood while managing Marseille.
De Zerbi addressed the issue in Italian during his first interview with club media, saying he never intended to downplay violence against women or anyone: “In my life I have always stood up for who are more vulnerable, more fragile… I apologise to those who I offended with this subject matter. I have a daughter and I’m very sensitive to these things and always have been.” He added he hopes people will get to know him and understand that he “didn’t mean to take a stance” in that moment.
The apology follows criticism of his November comments at Marseille, when he described Greenwood as a “good guy” who had paid a “heavy price” and said it “saddens me what happened in his life because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.” Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust said De Zerbi’s appointment “raises serious and far-reaching concerns” and warned the club about the strength of feeling among fans.
Greenwood joined Marseille from Manchester United in 2024 after criminal charges against him — including attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm — were dropped. The Crown Prosecution Service said the charges were discontinued because of “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light,” meaning there was “no realistic prospect of conviction.”
Sky Sports News understands the Spurs board carefully considered the sentiments surrounding De Zerbi’s association with Greenwood during the hiring process. De Zerbi is still expected to address the matter further at his first press conference.