Roberto De Zerbi, the Tottenham manager, has now addressed statements he made about Mason Greenwood during his time at Marseille. He did this in his first interview since joining the north London club.
De Zerbi was appointed Tottenham’s new manager at the end of March, replacing Igor Tudor after a short and difficult spell as manager.
READ: Manchester United’s first summer signing ready!
A Tottenham supporters’ group spoke out earlier this week about the hiring of De Zerbi, due to his previous comments about Greenwood.
“We believe these statements, if not addressed, will create a division among supporters at a time when we all need to stand together to support the team. It is worrying that the club is putting us in this position just when the team needs the fans the most,” the group wrote.
De Zerbi on Mason Greenwood
In his first interview as Tottenham manager, De Zerbi discussed some previous comments he had made about Greenwood.
Read on F7: NASA’s Artemis II menu: coffee, hot sauce, chocolate, beef, mac and cheese – and five types of hot sauce!
“I have never wanted to downplay the problem of violence against women, or violence against anyone in general. In my life, I have always stood up for those who are more vulnerable, more fragile. I have consistently fought and taken a stand to stand on the side of those who are most vulnerable. Those who know me well know that I’m not the kind of person who compromises to win more fights or an extra title. I’m sorry if I’ve hurt anyone’s feelings with this case – 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 understand that at that moment I didn’t mean to take a certain stand,” De Zerbi said.
Greenwood was a Marseille player at the time of the comments, under De Zerbi’s leadership, and the current Tottenham manager wanted to protect one of his own players.
The comments did not go down well with many, after the English attacker was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behavior back in 2022, before the case was dropped in 2023.
What did De Zerbi say about Greenwood in the past?
Speaking while working with Greenwood in Marseille, De Zerbi suggested that the former Manchester United player is a “different person” to the one described by people in England.
“He’s a good guy. He has paid a high price for what happened, a very high price.”
“He has found the right environment for him. We have given him a helping hand and shown him love. He’s a bit introverted, but I know him and his family.”
“It saddens me what has happened in his life, because I know a completely different person than the one described in England.”
It is interesting that Greenwood was brought up in De Zerbi’s first official interview as Tottenham manager, but the club clearly wanted him to address his earlier comments due to the opposition from supporter groups.
Read on English clubs: Controversial former Premier League owner follows KSI – buys 40 percent of Dagenham & Redbridge
