De Zerbi speaks on Greenwood comments in first interview as Tottenham boss
De Zerbi also claimed he will be the Tottenham boss next season regardless of relegation
Roberto De Zerbi has issued an apology for past comments regarding Mason Greenwood, insisting he would never seek to minimise issues surrounding violence against women.
The new Tottenham head coach addressed the controversy following his appointment, which came after the dismissal of Igor Tudor with the club struggling near the bottom of the Premier League table.
De Zerbi’s previous remarks about Greenwood, made during his time at Marseille, had drawn criticism from supporter groups including Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane and Spurs Reach in the lead-up to his arrival.
In his first interview with the club, De Zerbi said: “I would like to answer your question in Italian because I want to be clear.
“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.
“Those of you who know me well, will know that I am not the kind of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title.
“I am sorry if I offended anyone’s feeling 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 meant to take a stance.”
De Zerbi’s words on Greenwood controversy
Greenwood faced serious charges in 2022 which were later dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service due to insufficient evidence. He has since resumed his career in France.
De Zerbi had previously described the forward as a “good guy” who had paid a “heavy price”, comments that prompted backlash when his name emerged as Tottenham’s preferred managerial candidate.
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust also voiced concerns following his appointment, although it is understood the club discussed the issue in detail with De Zerbi during negotiations before confirming him as head coach.