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New Tottenham manager apologises for Greenwood comments
Roberto de Zerbi, recently appointed as Tottenham Hotspur's head coach, has issued an apology to supporters regarding past statements about Mason Greenwood, the former Manchester United forward he managed at Marseille.
Background of the controversy
De Zerbi's appointment has faced opposition from some fan groups due to remarks he made about Greenwood, whom he signed while managing the French club. Greenwood, once considered one of England's brightest young talents, was arrested in January 2022 on charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges were dropped in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew and new evidence emerged, leaving no realistic prospect of conviction.
After leaving Manchester United, Greenwood joined Getafe on loan before signing for Marseille in July 2024 in a deal worth up to £26.6 million. Since then, he has scored 47 goals in 74 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, including 21 last season, tying him as the league's top scorer alongside Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembélé.
De Zerbi's apology and defence
In an interview with Tottenham's official website, the 46-year-old Italian addressed the backlash, stating he never intended to minimise violence against women or anyone else. "I have always stood up for those who need protecting," he said. "I've consistently fought to be on the side of those most at risk. Those who know me well understand I don't compromise my values for wins or trophies."
De Zerbi expressed regret for any offence caused, emphasising his personal sensitivity to such issues as a father. "I hope over time people will get to know me better and realise I didn't mean to take a stance in that moment," he added.
"I don't want to get involved in anyone's private life. I don't even get into the private lives of my children, because I want to give everyone their freedom. All I can see is that Mason seems a good lad; he paid heavily for what happened. He found the right environment here, one that gave him affection and support. When I look at him as a person, I feel sad for what happened in his life, without getting into the details. The person I know here is very different from the one described, especially in England."
Roberto de Zerbi, November 2025
Fan reaction and criticism
The remarks, made in November, drew sharp criticism from Tottenham supporters. One fans' organisation labelled them "unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters," accusing De Zerbi of downplaying the allegations and portraying Greenwood as a victim.
Focus on immediate challenges
De Zerbi's appointment comes at a precarious time for Tottenham, who sit 17th in the Premier League-just one point and one place above the relegation zone-after interim head coach Igor Tudor was sacked on Sunday. The club has not won a league match since 28 December.
Despite the pressure, De Zerbi, who signed a five-year contract, has vowed to stay even if Tottenham are relegated. "I signed for five years because this is a major challenge for me, and I will be Tottenham's coach next season, no matter what," he said. "This is perhaps the most important challenge of my career. It's a difficult moment, but I believe in the players and their qualities. We need to restore their confidence."
What's next for Tottenham
With seven matches remaining, De Zerbi's immediate priority is securing Premier League survival. The club's long-term future under his leadership will depend on results in the coming weeks, as well as how he navigates the ongoing controversy surrounding his comments.
