De Zerbi Drops to His Knees: Apologises to Furious Spurs Fans Over Greenwood Love-In
New Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has apologised to fans for his past support of Mason Greenwood amid backlash from supporters' groups. The Italian stressed he never meant to downplay serious issues like violence against women, drawing on his personal stance and family ties. With a relegation battle ahead, De Zerbi now eyes his first game against Sunderland on April 12.
De Zerbi Hits the Apology Button Early Doors
Picture this: you've just landed the Tottenham Hotspur gig, succeeding Igor Tudor in the White Hart Lane pressure cooker, and the first thing on your to-do list is grovelling to the fans. That's the awkward spot new gaffer Roberto De Zerbi finds himself in. Barely through the door, and he's batting away backlash over his old Marseille mate Mason Greenwood.
Spurs supporters' groups aren't mincing words. The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust reckons De Zerbi's past endorsements could splinter the fanbase when unity's needed more than ever – especially with relegation lurking like a bad hangover. In his debut interview as boss, the Italian didn't dodge; he owned it, saying sorry for any toes stepped on.
No Mincing Words on the Big Issues
De Zerbi, fresh off his Brighton stint and a Ligue 1 adventure, was crystal clear: he's no apologist for serious stuff. "I've never meant to brush off violence against women – or anyone," he insisted, painting himself as a defender of the vulnerable. With a daughter in tow, he gets it, and he's not one to compromise principles for silverware.
"Sorry if I hurt feelings," he added, hoping time will show his true colours. It's a classic new-manager move: diffuse the bomb before it ticks into your first presser. Fans might warm up once they see his tactical wizardry, but for now, it's all about bridging that early divide.
The root? De Zerbi's time at Marseille, where he managed Greenwood for 68 games after the striker rocked up from Manchester United in summer 2024. Back then, he called Greenwood a "good guy" who'd paid a hefty price, offering him support and affection. Before the deal was inked, De Zerbi even likened treating players to sons – private lives off-limits.
Greenwood's Rocky Road and Spurs' Survival Scrap
Let's rewind on Greenwood: nicked in January 2022 over rape and assault suspicions while at United. Charges – attempted rape, coercive control, GBH – dropped in February 2023 after witnesses backed out and new evidence emerged. No conviction, but the shadow lingers, especially for Premier League purists.
At Marseille's Orange Velodrome, Greenwood thrived under De Zerbi, but now the Italian's in north London, facing a Sunderland jaunt on April 12. Spurs are staring down the barrel in the Premier League relegation fight – no time for fan feuds.
De Zerbi's already pivoting to prep mode, eyes on galvanising the squad. Will Spurs faithful forgive and follow? Or is this the spark for more unrest? It's like serving up vindaloo on matchday – bold, but risky if it doesn't go down well.
One thing's sure: in the mad world of football management, apologies are the new black. De Zerbi's playing the long game, betting his passion football and personal code win over the sceptics. Grab your scarf, Spurs lot – unity starts now, or it's Championship footy next season.
(As reported by Goal.com with pics from Getty and AFP)