Marsch Blasts De Zerbi's 'Real A**hole' Behaviour Towards Marseille Midfielder Kone

Roberto De Zerbi's reputation for demanding football and confrontational management has come under fresh scrutiny after Canada national team boss Jesse Marsch delivered a withering public critique of the Tottenham manager's handling of midfielder Ismael Kone.

Marsch, the former Leeds United head coach, didn't mince words when discussing his experience working with Kone on the international stage. Appearing on the Call It What You Want podcast via CBS Sports Golazo America, the American was asked which player had made the greatest strides under his Canada management ahead of the forthcoming World Cup. Kone's name came immediately to mind—the 23-year-old has enjoyed a resurgence at Sassuolo this season following his initial loan move from Marseille and subsequent permanent switch in the winter transfer window.

Yet Marsch's enthusiasm for Kone's progress quickly shifted into a damning assessment of De Zerbi's conduct at the French club. The Tottenham boss publicly humiliated Kone during a training session, ordering him off the pitch and instructing him to ring his agent about securing a move elsewhere after the midfielder failed to execute his tactical instructions properly.

"It wasn't easy with De Zerbi and Marseille," Marsch explained. "De Zerbi was a real, real unpleasant person with him, and he stayed strong. He never doubted himself. He found a new situation, and now look at him flourishing. Let me reiterate. De Zerbi was a real a**hole with him."

The Canadian coach went on to praise Kone's mental fortitude and professional resilience, highlighting how the midfielder has demonstrated remarkable character to rebuild his career following that episode. "Going to Italy and playing for a team that was newly promoted, and having to fight through a situation like that in a very organised league, he's played an incredibly important role," Marsch added. "Not just from what I've done with him and what the national team has done with him, but also what he's been able to achieve in his career, and the steps he's been able to make through difficulty."

De Zerbi spent just over 18 months in charge at Marseille before the club and manager parted ways. His methods are well documented as uncompromising and occasionally abrasive—traits that have occasionally sparked friction with those under his management.

In contrast, the Italian has received glowing reviews from his Tottenham squad since taking the reins. Four matches into his tenure at the club, De Zerbi has already secured back-to-back victories that have lifted Spurs clear of the relegation zone. A crucial home fixture against Leeds United awaits on Monday evening, with victory potentially providing significant breathing room in the battle for top-flight survival.