De Zerbi apologises to fans for Greenwood comments

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Roberto de Zerbi previously managed Brighton in the Premier League

New Tottenham head coach Roberto de Zerbi has apologised to fans over comments he made about Mason Greenwood.

The Italian's appointment has been opposed by some fan groups because of remarks he made about the former Manchester United player, who he signed and managed at Marseille.

Greenwood faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2022 before they were dropped.

De Zerbi told the Spurs website: "I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women, or violence against anyone more broadly."

The 46-year-old added that he had always "stood up for those" that needed protecting.

"I've consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most at risk," he said.

"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 win an extra title.

"I'm sorry if I 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 understand that at that moment, I didn't mean to take a stance."

Spurs turned to De Zerbi after interim head coach Igor Tudor was sacked on Sunday with the club 17th in the Premier League, just one point and one place above the relegation zone.

De Zerbi's controversial comments

Greenwood, who was 20 at the time, was widely regarded as one of England's most promising young players when he was arrested in January 2022.

The Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges against him in February 2023 owing to "a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light", which meant there was "no realistic prospect of conviction".

He subsequently left Old Trafford, initially moving to Spanish side Getafe on loan before signing for Marseille in July 2024 in a controversial deal worth up to £26.6m.

The 24-year-old has gone on to score 47 times in 74 appearances across all competitions for the former European champions.

Alongside Paris St-Germain's Ousmane Dembele, Greenwood was Ligue 1's joint top scorer last season with 21 goals.

The comments which have angered many Tottenham fans were made in November.

"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," De Zerbi said.

"All I can see is that Mason seems a good lad, he paid in a strong way for what happened.

"He has probably here found the right environment for him, which gave him affection, and held out its hand to him.

"When I look at him as a person, I feel sad for what happened in his life, without getting into the details.

"Because the person I know here is very different to the one that has been described, especially in England."

De Zerbi was accused of downplaying the allegations and painting Greenwood as a victim.

The comments were called "unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters" by one fans' organisation.

'The most important challenge'

De Zerbi's immediate focus is on maintaining Tottenham's top-flight status and ending a winless league run that extends back to 28 December.

However, having signed a five-year deal at the north London club, he insists he is committed for the long term and will stay even if they are relegated to the Championship.

"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," De Zerbi added.

"Tottenham, especially in this moment, is maybe the the most important challenge in my career - I'm ready to start this challenge.

"It's a difficult moment for everyone at Tottenham but I think we have the right qualities to come out of this moment.

"I believe in the players. I think we have to remember who we are and who the players are, because we have very big players and we have to work on their confidence and qualities."