Roberto de Zerbi’s tenure as manager of Marseille spanned from July 2024 to February 2026.
Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi has stated he was “not surprised” by the reaction from supporters regarding his previous comments on Mason Greenwood.
De Zerbi’s appointment faced opposition from certain fan groups due to remarks concerning Greenwood, whom he had previously signed and managed at Marseille. This prompted the Italian to issue an apology upon his unveiling as Spurs boss.
Former Manchester United forward Greenwood was subject to charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2022, which were later dropped in February 2023.
When questioned about the fan backlash, De Zerbi responded: “I wasn’t surprised.”
Speaking on Friday as he prepares to lead Spurs in his first game in charge against Sunderland on Sunday (14:00 BST), he added: “I was a bit sad and sorry it happened because I’m sorry if somebody took offence.
“I must repeat what I said. This topic is very close to me. I’m very sensitive about this topic because of the person I am and because I have a daughter.
“And so I must repeat what I said the other time. I have always been against – always – any type of violence, especially against women. But not only violence – even just sexist jokes or other sexist behaviours.
“I have a daughter and I’m directly affected by it. I know who I am. I know the type of person I am, so I wasn’t annoyed by the questions – I’m just sad about them.”
De Zerbi’s comments on Greenwood that sparked concern among Tottenham fans were made last November prior to a Champions League fixture against Newcastle.
“I don’t want to get involved in anyone’s private life,” the former Marseille boss stated.
“All I can see is that Mason seems a good lad, he paid in a strong way for what happened. He has probably here found the right environment for him, which gave him affection, and held out its hand to him.
“When I look at him as a person, I feel sad for what happened in his life, without getting into the details. Because the person I know here is very different to the one that has been described, especially in England.”
De Zerbi faced accusations of downplaying the allegations and portraying Greenwood as a victim.
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust informed the club that it could not support De Zerbi’s appointment, while Ali Speechly, co-founder of Women of the Lane, confirmed that her group also opposed his hiring.
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De Zerbi on previous Tottenham coaches
On the field, 11th-place Sunderland will be De Zerbi’s first opponents as Spurs boss following his appointment on 31 March.
He is Tottenham‘s third manager of the season after Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor – the latter only lasting 44 days and seven matches in the role.
Following West Ham’s victory over Wolves on Friday, Tottenham find themselves in the Premier League’s relegation zone with seven games remaining.
“I am proud and happy to be here,” the Italian commented.
“I’m sure about the level of the players because I was very, very close to bringing many of these players to my former teams in the past.
“I think I am not better than Frank or Tudor because I consider them very good coaches.
“I try to bring my style, my character, my personality and my strengths to achieve our target, which is the most important part now.”
Tottenham have not secured a domestic league win in 2026 and have only managed two since 26 October 2025. Since 1950, Spurs have only spent one season outside the top flight, which occurred in 1977-78.
“For me, it was a big opportunity because Tottenham are a very important club in the Premier League and the Premier League is the best league in the world,” stated De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton from 2022 to 2024.
“The message for my staff and players is that we have to deserve the support because the fans are suffering like us. But for the fans, there is just one club. The players can change but for the fans, their club is unique.
“We have to make them happy with the right spirit and the right behaviour on the pitch. Then it’s easier to make points.”
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Mohammed Kudus is set to miss the rest of the season with a thigh injury
Tottenham‘s season has been significantly impacted by injuries to key players, with creative midfielders Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison being long-term absentees.
Striker Dominic Solanke was also sidelined for several months due to an ankle injury, and Xavi Simons has faced fitness challenges during his debut season in England.
Mohammed Kudus, who joined from West Ham in the summer, experienced a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury this week, potentially requiring surgery, which suggests he is unlikely to feature again this season.
“Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position but we have to look forward,” De Zerbi stated.
“We have a lot of very good attackers but we have to help them and put them in the very best condition. I know [Randal] Kolo Muani isn’t having a great season but he is a good player. I know him, like Mathys Tel, I wanted him when I was in Marseille.
“Simons is a big talent, Richarlison and [Dominic] Solanke you know better than me, so we have to put them in the best condition we can.”
The Spurs boss also confirmed that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will miss the trip to Sunderland after undergoing hernia surgery during the international break.
The 46-year-old expressed his desire to “stay for a long time” at the north London club.
De Zerbi said: “I don’t know how many years. In my plan, the idea is to stay for a long time. I’m not speaking about titles because it’s not the right moment now, but to help Tottenham to stay in the Premier League.”
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