Roberto De Zerbi has responded to criticism from Tottenham Hotspur fans regarding his earlier support for Mason Greenwood.
The Italian coach, who recently joined Spurs, faced questions about comments made during his time at Marseille.
His defense of former Manchester United player Greenwood has drawn backlash from some fans.
After his appointment, De Zerbi sought to clarify his stance.
He stated he “never intended to minimize the issue of violence against women” and apologized to those who found his comments upsetting.
“I’m sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings,” he said.
“I have a daughter and I care deeply about these matters.”
This situation has placed early pressure on his tenure at Tottenham.
Fans’ groups had already expressed worries following his hiring, urging the club to reinforce its values.
De Zerbi’s arrival comes after a challenging time in his coaching career.
He was dismissed by Marseille despite working closely with Mason Greenwood during his tenure there.
The forward’s future remains unclear, with rumors of a potential move to Saudi Arabia still circulating.
For Spurs, the priority is on results.
The team is currently struggling near the bottom of the Premier League, making De Zerbi’s immediate impact crucial.
From a football standpoint, his appointment is aimed at long-term improvement.
He has signed a multi-year contract and has indicated he will be in charge next season, regardless of this year’s outcomes.
However, off-field controversies have already emerged.
De Zerbi now has the task of gaining supporters’ trust while stabilizing the team’s performance.
But the primary focus will shift to results.
Ultimately, the team’s performance will determine how quickly this controversy is forgotten.