Roberto De Zerbi Issues "Half-Apology" To Tottenham Supporters Over Past Defense Of Mason Greenwood

New Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi offers a "half-apology" for defending Mason Greenwood, while vowing to stay at Tottenham even if they are relegated.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 5:05 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

Addressing the "Greenwood Stain"

Roberto De Zerbi’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur has begun under a cloud of moral scrutiny following his staunch defense of Mason Greenwood during their time together at Marseille. Greenwood, who faced charges of attempted rape and assault in 2022 before they were dropped in 2023, was described by De Zerbi as a "victim" of allegations during his stint in Ligue 1. This "smoking gun" defense has disgusted a significant portion of the Spurs fanbase, leading to a tense atmosphere during De Zerbi’s first official media appearance on Thursday. The manager attempted to navigate the criticism by insisting he is "sensitive" to issues of violence, citing his role as a father to a daughter.

The "Half-Apology" and Tactical Defense

Rather than admitting a lapse in judgment, De Zerbi offered a conditional apology, stating, "I’m sorry if this offended anyone’s feelings." He argued that those who know him well understand he does not "make compromises to win games" and claimed he never intended to downplay violence against the vulnerable. However, the apology has been characterized by many as "weak," as it placed the burden of offense on the fans rather than taking accountability for the original comments. De Zerbi expressed hope that, over time, the Tottenham community would understand he "didn't mean to take a stance" during the Marseille controversy.

Five-Year Commitment Amid Relegation Threat

Tottenham currently sits just one point above the Premier League relegation zone with only seven matches remaining. Despite the precarious position, De Zerbi used his first interview to confirm that his five-year contract is a long-term pledge. He explicitly stated that he will remain the head coach next season regardless of which division the club competes in. This "no matter what" stance is intended to provide stability to a squad that has seen significant turnover, including the recent departure of interim boss Igor Tudor. De Zerbi’s debut on the touchline is set for April 12 in a high-stakes away clash against Sunderland.