Roberto De Zerbi has apologised and insisted he “never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women” after facing a fans’ backlash over comments he made about Mason Greenwood.
In his first club in-house interview after being appointed Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach, the Italian added that he was “sorry if I offended anyone’s feelings with this subject matter”.
Three Spurs supporters’ groups, all officially recognised by the club, had demanded the club did not appoint De Zerbi claiming he had backed Greenwood who had signed for Marseille when he was their coach.
After Tuesday’s appointment the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) attacked the decision with De Zerbi then asked about the fans’ concerns.
“I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women or violence against anyone more broadly,” he said, replying in Italian, rather than English, because “I want to be clear”.
The 46-year-old added: “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 am sorry if I offended anyone’s feeling with this subject matter – 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.”
Greenwood joined Marseille, after a loan spell with Getafe, from Manchester United in the summer of 2024. At United he was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. All three charges related to the same woman but were later dropped with the Crown Prosecution Service saying this was because of “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”.
Greenwood denied all allegations against him and De Zerbi appeared to take the stance that because he had not been found guilty he deserved to be allowed to continue to pursue his career.
However, the former Brighton & Hove Albion head coach also said, in an interview with Telegraph Sport last November: “I feel sorry about what he had to live [through]. I know him very well, I know his family, his girlfriend and I don’t want to speak about personal matters.
“But regarding him I can only say good things. First of all, as a person and then as a player. We all know him and behind this introverted and quiet guy there is a very smart boy with a big heart who probably didn’t manage his early success in the best possible way. Now I see a mature man and I hope that he can have some satisfaction in his life. First with his girlfriend, as a father and his family, and then as a football player.”
In a statement in response to De Zerbi’s interview with Spurs, THST said: “We asked for Roberto De Zerbi and the Club to address the comments. He has done so and apologised for any offence. He has reiterated a commitment to challenge violence against women. This is extremely welcome. The fan base can now fully unite behind him and the team and work together to avoid relegation.”
In his in-house interview De Zerbi, who has agreed a five-year deal after Igor Tudor’s disastrous 43 days at the club as interim, insisted that he will be at Spurs next season “no matter what” and even if they are relegated. There is no ‘get-out’ clause in his contract if Spurs go down. “I signed five years of contract because for me it’s a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season,” De Zerbi said. The role, he added, was “the most important challenge of my career”.