De Zerbi Offers Muted Response to Greenwood Backlash as He Takes Tottenham Reins

Roberto De Zerbi has attempted to defuse the controversy surrounding his backing of Mason Greenwood, offering what amounts to a qualified clarification following his appointment as Tottenham manager.

The Italian tactician has penned a five-year deal at Spurs, taking over from interim chief Igor Tudor with the North London outfit sitting just a single point clear of the drop zone and seven matches remaining in the Premier League campaign.

De Zerbi's arrival has drawn ire from sections of the Tottenham support, stemming from his vocal support for Greenwood when the forward completed his move to Marseille. The 24-year-old had faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning bodily harm in 2022, allegations he rejected entirely. Those charges were subsequently withdrawn in February 2023.

During his time in Ligue 1, De Zerbi publicly characterised Greenwood as a "good guy" who had "paid a heavy price", framing the player as having endured the brunt of the ordeal rather than acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations.

Pressed on the matter this week, De Zerbi sidestepped direct accountability by stating he was "sorry if this offended anyone's feelings" – a formulation that stops short of owning the substance of his original remarks.

The manager elaborated: "I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women, or violence against anyone more broadly. In my life I have 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."

He continued by suggesting those familiar with him would recognise he does not compromise principles for sporting gain, adding: "Those of you who know me well, will know I'm not the type of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title. I'm sorry if this offended anyone's feelings 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."

With Sunderland providing the next hurdle and six further fixtures that De Zerbi has framed as decisive in the battle for top-flight survival, the manager has called on his squad to display attacking intent. "I think we have to be focused just on the Sunderland game," he said. "I don't want to speak about the schedule or the Brighton game or the Wolverhampton game. Game by game, we have to prepare the players to win the game and to be focused just on the game. We have to play with courage. We have to play with the qualities of the players, because if I accept this challenge, it's because I have a big confidence in the players and the style of the history of Tottenham football is a very clear style of play."

De Zerbi also moved to assure supporters of his long-term commitment, ruling out any prospect of departure should Tottenham slip through the trapdoor. "I signed five years of contract because for me it is a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what," he stated.