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Tottenham Supporters' Trust issue damning statement after Roberto De Zerbi appointment

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust have issued a statement following the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as head coach, expressing serious concerns over his past comments about Mason Greenwood

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust claims that the club's decision to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach raises serious, far-reaching concerns. They highlight comments the former Marseille coach made last year about Mason Greenwood, who the French club signed from Manchester United weeks after appointing De Zerbi.

In October 2022, Greenwood was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, attempted rape and controlling and coercive behaviour. However, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023.

They did so owing to "a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light". The CPS said that meant there was "no realistic prospect of conviction".

The Trust responded to Spurs' announcement of the appointment by releasing its own statement shortly afterwards. It began: "We note the Club's announcement of the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi to the Manager role.

"While we recognise the limited pool of managers with recent Premier League experience, and the need to act with urgency as Spurs face the prospect of relegation, this appointment raises serious and far-reaching concerns, and many fans have been in touch with us to urge us to communicate the strength of feeling. We raised these concerns directly with the Club prior to its announcement.

"The Club has previously committed to challenging instances of violence against women and girls and acting with integrity and upholding its values when faced with any incidents. De Zerbi's comments about Mason Greenwood were unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters."

In November, De Zerbi called Greenwood a "good guy" who paid a "heavy price". The then-Marseille coach said: "It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described."

Spurs are understood to have thoroughly examined and discussed the remarks and feelings surrounding Greenwood with De Zerbi during negotiations. Proud Lilywhites, Spurs Reach and Women of the Lane are three supporter groups who voiced concerns before the appointment.

THST's statement continues: "We believe these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team. It is concerning that the Club would put us in this position right when the team needs fans the most.

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"Fans are rallying behind the 'All Together, Always' initiative, and this appointment places heavy strain on that unity. If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the Club we love.

"The Club must reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear-chief among them equality, respect, and integrity. With this appointment, communications from the Club and from Mr De Zerbi must clearly and unequivocally reaffirm these values.

"Our preference would have been for a short-term appointment of an individual or individuals who understand the Club and can lead the players in the seven battles to come. There would then have been an opportunity in the summer to attract a wide range of potential applicants with a track record of success in inspiring fans and players: candidates who could lead and develop sustained success for the team, for seasons to come.

"The Club has chosen otherwise. We will continue to support efforts to get behind the team and play our part in preserving the Club's Premier League status, but it is understandable that many fans will do so with a heavy heart.

"Our Five Principles for Spurs ownership include Leading with Integrity and Championing Ethical Standards. At present, supporters rate performance in this area at just 2.2 out of 10. This decision risks further eroding confidence unless addressed with clarity, humility, and decisive action.

"We fully understand that the immediate priority is to avoid relegation. However, this situation is the result of prolonged strategic failings. THST have warned for years that the Club was heading in this direction, and the lack of timely, sound decision-making has now left options severely compromised.

Roberto De Zerbi has been told what is expected of him as Tottenham boss, with the club underlining their ambitions despite the threat of relegation from the Premier League

Roberto De Zerbi has been told he needs to create a Tottenham team "capable of reaching great achievements" that also "excites supporters" after being confirmed as the new boss in north London.

The Italian has come in to replace Igor Tudor, who lasted just 44 days in his role before he was relieved of his duties after securing just a single Premier League point from five games.

De Zerbi was out of work having left Marseille in February but made a name for himself whilst in charge at Brighton between 2022 and 2024. His style of play won plaudits and he's been tasked with replicating that in the capital as Tottenham seek to rediscover the form of yesteryear.

The club won the Europa League last year, although that was their first trophy since 2008, and have previously been Champions League regulars. Tottenham's hierarchy, despite two dire years domestically, retain lofty ambitions and they have been made clear to De Zerbi.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world. In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear - to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it."

Despite Tottenham's long-term desires, there remains the genuine possibility that they slip into the Championship with the club just a point above the bottom three. They haven't won in the league in 2026 and were hammered 3-0 by relegation rivals Nottingham Forest last time out. As a result De Zerbi knows his initial remit is to secure top flight safety.

“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table," said the Italian. "Which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

De Zerbi has penned a lucrative contract, which is understood to include to relegation clause. Tottenham have been through two managers already this season with Tudor replacing Thomas Frank, but the Italian was their top candidate the minute they went back on the hunt.

One of his former players, Neal Maupay, whom he managed at Brighton, has confessed that De Zerbi's ideals and principles won't be implemented overnight despite the need for an instant impact. The striker told Sky Sports News: "What he wants to do will take time!"

Tottenham have announced the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi as their new boss and he has already sounded out World Cup winner Alessandro Nesta about a role on his staff

Roberto De Zerbi is already making moves at Tottenham, with Italian great Alessandro Nesta offered a role in his coaching staff.

De Zerbi has been tempted back to the Premier League and was announced as the new Spurs boss on Tuesday afternoon. He's already eyeing up his lieutenants to help the club avoid relegation from the Premier League and has turned to one of the great defenders of the 2000s.

Italian outlet Tuttosport reports that Nesta, now 50 and winner of the World Cup back in 2006, has been given a chance to become De Zerbi’s assistant manager. He is currently considering the offer, but has only worked as a head coach so far in his career.

Nesta moved into coaching after retiring and has had spells in charge of Miami FC, Perugia, Frosinone, Reggiana and Monza. Last term, he was shown the door by Monza in December 2024 with the club bottom of Serie A, only to be re-appointed just seven weeks later.

He could not inspire an upturn in results as Monza were relegated to Serie B after finishing 20th and now Nesta has the opportunity to work outside of Italy.

He would bring huge experience and credibility given the success he had as a player. Nesta played with Lazio in the early 2000s and was later part of the AC Milan side that won the Champions League, winning it in 2003 and 2007.

De Zerbi and his coaching staff will take charge of their first game at Sunderland a week on Sunday. The new man in charge has said: “Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

It has been reported that De Zerbi will earn an annual salary of between £12million and £15million - that will make him the third-highest paid manager in the Premier League. Despite the threat of going down the Italian is not thought to have a release clause in his deal.

De Zerbi was quickly identified as the club's first choice after Igor Tudor's underwhelming spell was bought to an end after just 44 days and no win. German coaches Edin Terzic and Marco Rose and two-time former caretaker head coach Ryan Mason were other options Tottenham considered.

Crisis-ridden Tottenham have confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager. De Zerbi, 46, has signed a five-year contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and is tasked with keeping them in the Premier League.

Spurs are 17th in the table, languishing one point and place above the relegation zone with just seven games to go. Their abject 3-0 defeat at home to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest spelled the end of Igor Tudor's reign as interim manager, having only been in charge for 44 days.

De Zerbi said: “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.

“In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

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Spurs Sporting director Johan Lange, said: “Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now. He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”

Tudor's departure was announced on Sunday and Tottenham have acted quickly to bring in De Zerbi. The Italian established himself in the Premier League with Brighton, where he spent nearly two seasons and earned the club's highest-ever top-flight finish, which in turn secured European qualification for the first time in their history.

De Zerbi left Brighton in 2024 and went on to manage French giants Marseille, who he parted ways with in February. The former Shakhtar Donetsk and Sassuolo boss was quickly sounded out as a target for the vacant full-time managerial position at Manchester United.

But Tottenham have managed convince De Zerbi to help them in their crisis. The 46-year-old initially wanted to wait until the summer to take over but U-turned on his stance after negotiations with Spurs' hierarchy.

De Zerbi becomes their fourth manager in less than a year, with Thomas Frank having replaced Ange Postecoglou last summer. Frank arrived with a glowing reputation from his time at Brentford, but only lasted eight months.

Tottenham are yet to win a Premier League game in 2026 and it'll be April 12 by the time they're back in action away to Sunderland. Tudor only earned one point from his five top-flight matches, although he did record a victory in the Champions League.

Will Roberto De Zerbi keep Tottenham up? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

De Zerbi's appointment has already been the subject of backlash. Last week, three supporters' groups released statements urging the club not to hire him because of his comments on Mason Greenwood.

Shortly after taking the Marseille job, De Zerbi controversially signed the ex-England forward, who was sold by Man United in 2024 after charges against him, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped. He described Greenwood as a 'good guy' who'd paid a 'heavy price."

Roberto De Zerbi has agreed to become the next Tottenham manager. The Italian boss was Spurs' first-choice replacement for Igor Tudor and talks have now concluded.

The Times reports that an agreement has been reached over a five-year contract and an announcement will be made in the next 24 hours. De Zerbi left Marseille in February and will now turn his attention to trying to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Spurs are 17th, one point above the relegation zone, having not won in 13 matches. De Zerbi's deal includes a huge bonus that will be paid if Spurs avoid relegation to the Championship.

Negotiations are understood to have centred around the make-up of his coaching staff, with consideration given to including someone familiar with the club. It has been reported that De Zerbi will earn an annual salary of £12million to 15million, which will make him the third-highest paid Premier League manager behind Pep Guardiola (£20m) and Mikel Arteta (£15m).

It comes after Tudor lasted just 44 days in charge and took just one point in the league having arriving to replace Thomas Frank.

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Former Monaco boss Adi Hutter, German coaches Edin Terzic and Marco Rose, two-time former caretaker head coach Ryan Mason, ex-Tottenham striker Robbie Keane and ex-Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche were all considered. But De Zerbi was always the top choice for chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange.

Spurs' hierarchy are under huge pressure to make the right choice, having overseen a shambolic campaign. They have decided to switch boss again, having been given a huge gap in the schedule by the international break and the FA Cup quarter finals - a competition Spurs are no longer in - taking place this weekend.

De Zerbi's first game in charge will come away to Sunderland on April 12. Spurs have not won a Premier League game in 2026, drawing five and losing eight of their last 13 matches. Tudor's last game in charge was the 3-0 home defeat by relegation rivals Nottingham Forest on March 22.

Tudor claimed just one point during his time in charge, from a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, while his only win came against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and wasn't enough to overturn a first-leg deficit.

De Zerbi will return to the Premier League, having previously managed Brighton between 2022 and 2024. After replacing Graham Potter in September 2022, De Zerbi guided the Seagulls to sixth in his maiden campaign before finishing 11th in 2023/24.

He left Brighton by mutual agreement in the summer of 2024 and moved to Marseille, where he won 39 of his 69 games in charge. The 46-year-old left the French giants in February following a 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain and an exit from the Champions League at the hands of Club Brugge.

He guided Marseille to second in Ligue 1 in his maiden campaign and left them in fourth place.

Tottenham Hotspur's latest accounts show their loss for the year has risen to £94.7million for the period ending June 30, 2025. The club also revealed their debts are in excess of £800MILLION as they released their financial results on Tuesday.

The staggering loss underscores the tough position the club is in, with the potential for relegation from the Premier League that could devastate their finances even further. The club, however, will have banked a huge figure from their run to the Champions League last-16 this season.

The domestic on‑pitch underperformance of both Tottenham's Men's and Women's teams during the reporting period had a direct impact on TV and media revenues.

The £94.7m loss for the year comes after depreciation, amortisation, player trading, interest and taxation. Two years ago, the club recorded a loss of just £26.2m - an increase of more than 260 per cent.

As for the club's total revenue and other income, this rose to £565.3m during the reporting period - an increase of seven per cent on the £528.2m reported in 2024. The uplift was driven by their Europa League success, alongside strong commercial performance across sponsorship, merchandising and stadium events.

In a statement accompanying the financial results, the club also confirmed increases in match receipts, UEFA prize money, commercial revenues and other income.

"Match receipts of £126.5m (2024: £105.8m), driven by an increased number of matches at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium," it stated. "UEFA prize money was £34.7m (2024: £1.3m) arising from the successful Europa League campaign (2024: no European football).

"TV and Media revenues were £127.0m (2024: £165.9m) having finished in 17th position in the Premier League. Commercial revenues and other income from sponsorship, merchandising and other income such as stadium events, visitor attractions, pre-season tour and conference and events, increased to £277.1m (2024: £255.2m)."

Despite this, the club's losses have taken a sharp upward trajectory. TV and media revenues fell to £127m, down from £165.9m in 2024 - a decrease of 23 per cent following Spurs' 17th-place finish in the Premier League.

Operating expenses (before player trading) also saw an increase of 15 per cent to £521.5m in comparison to the £453.6m recorded in 2024.

Profit from operations before depreciation, amortisation, player trading, interest and taxation fell by 22 per cent, dropping from £144.9m to £112.3m.

Spurs' net debt was also alarmingly high as of 30 June 2025, standing at £831.2m (2024: £772.5m). More than 90 per cent of their £851.7m in financial borrowings are at fixed rates, with an average interest rate of 3.07 per cent.

The average maturity of these borrowings is 17.6 years, with some extending to 2051, helping to safeguard the club's long‑term financial stability. It is also noted, as in previous years, that no dividends have been paid.

Spurs sit 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone despite the club's £150m in net spend on transfers last summer. Failing to beat the drop would be seen as a disaster for the club, which is still considered part of the 'Big Six'.

The financial ramifications would be hugely damaging but Spurs still have time to turn it around. They are next in action against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on April 12, and club chiefs are working behind the scenes to appoint a new manager this week to ensure the players have time to work with him.

Roberto De Zerbi is the favourite to take over in north London after talks were held on Monday. The new boss will have just seven matches to turn the club's fortunes around.

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'I worked with Tottenham target Roberto De Zerbi - the first few weeks were horrendous'

Roberto De Zerbi is in advanced talks to become Tottenham manager following Igor Tudor's exit, but Lewis Dunk's previous comments about a difficult transition period could serve as a warning

Tottenham could encounter 'carnage' if Roberto De Zerbi assumes control of the club's battle for Premier League survival. The north London outfit might be wise to consider the warnings of Brighton defender Lewis Dunk from when the Italian was still managing the Seagulls.

De Zerbi is poised to succeed Igor Tudor at Spurs following his departure. The club has entered advanced negotiations with the former Marseille manager and have tabled a substantial contract, although talks remain ongoing regarding De Zerbi's backroom staff.

Should the 46-year-old accept Tottenham's five-year proposal, he must make an immediate impact with a squad that hasn't secured a Premier League victory in 2026. However, De Zerbi's initial weeks at a new club can prove challenging, given the dramatic shift in his methods.

Speaking in 2023, Brighton player Dunk disclosed how demanding the adaptation period was when De Zerbi arrived on the south coast, following Graham Potter's departure. "If I am being honest, the first couple of weeks were horrendous..." Dunk told the Telegraph.

"I wouldn't say horrendous; they were baffling. The first meeting when he went in, I was so confused – who to look at, what to listen to, and you slowly pick up. Basically, don't listen to the manager, wait for the translator to speak, and you get there in the end.

"Training changed dramatically. We worked on a lot of different stuff and the first couple of weeks were a really hard transition.

"We were fourth in the league when Graham left and we were flying with him and it was a strange time for him to go and then Roberto came in and it was a carnage two weeks."

With merely seven fixtures left and Tottenham languishing in 17th position with West Ham trailing by a single point, De Zerbi will require a swift start at Hotspur Way. Failing to do so could spell catastrophe for the Lilywhites.

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However, if they can successfully navigate that spell, Spurs' players could benefit significantly should they experience a transformation similar to that of Dunk. "I see football in a completely different way, I picture it in a different way and that is the biggest thing," Dunk reflected on his experience.

"Football is not what I thought it was. Just how we play now. The idea of what I did before, I thought it made sense. But when you learn something completely different, you believe in it and this makes sense. You think 'why didn't I know this?' and 'why didn't I do this before?'

"The style of play, really. And when to release the ball. All our games now are about pressure, playing with opposition teams when they're pressing high and pressing low. When to pass the ball, the timing of that and the timing of movement. Before, I didn't really know about that. It's all about the finer details."

Tottenham are close to naming Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager, ending speculation - at least for now - that Mauricio Pochettino will return to the North London

Mauricio Pochettino's return to Tottenham looks increasingly unlikely after he made it clear that he's open to staying on as USA boss. It comes after Spurs entered advanced talks with Roberto De Zerbi to become their new manager.

De Zerbi, 46, is available after leaving Marseille in February and emerged as the frontrunner shortly after Tottenham parted ways with Igor Tudor. As Tudor was only appointed on an interim basis, Pochettino continued to be linked with the full-time position.

But with De Zerbi in talks to sign a long-term contract, Spurs are pinning both their immediate and future hopes on the former Brighton manager. Pochettino, on the other hand, is due to be out of contract with US Soccer after this summer's World Cup which they're co-hosting.

But the Argentine has opened the door to a new deal, saying: "I think everyone knows that I am committed with the national team here. We are open. We don't have contract for the future, but why not if we are happy and the federation is happy?"

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OPINION

While confirming that he hasn't held talks with Tottenham - or Real Madrid, who he's also been linked with - Pochettino did talk about his connection to Spurs, and weighed in on the crisis which De Zerbi looks set to inherit. "It was one of my best experiences in my life," the 54-year-old remarked.

"I am sure they're going to stay up, with coach or without coach because of the players, because I think Tottenham have unbelievable players and then it's a club with - the fans that are going to make everything to create that energy to win. Of course that is going to be tough because the synergy and the dynamic is difficult."

How far will the USA go at the World Cup? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

Pochettino has been in charge of the United States since September 2024 and back then, he didn't anticipate the scale of the task. "It's tough, but it's a massive challenge," he admitted. "It's a bigger challenge than we really believe or thought before to start here... and never is easy when you want to change things or when you need to change.

"The potential is massive, and with the legacy of the World Cup, I think, and in the way that is growing the soccer here, you are seeing all our youth teams, how they are growing, how they are competing. I think it's very exciting in the future here."

The USA will face Paraguay, Australia and either Turkey or Kosovo this summer. They reached the round of 16 at the last World Cup, losing 3-1 to the Netherlands.

Tottenham are in advanced talks with Roberto De Zerbi and look set to appoint him as their third manager this season, tasked with keeping Spurs in the Premier League

Roberto De Zerbi is a manager with a lot to prove. And that is why Tottenham appeals to him - even if the opportunity comes earlier than he expected.

De Zerbi, 46, was adamant even last week that he wanted to wait until the summer before taking on a new challenge. That was not just to refresh himself but also because it is clear that Tottenham are in serious danger of going down and De Zerbi certainly does not see himself managing in the Championship.

This is a manager who certainly does not lack belief. He is known as arrogant, aloof and difficult - and they are some of the nicer descriptions.

Explosive, angry and impossible are other adjectives which could easily be used through his much-travelled managerial career. But De Zerbi is also a very successful manager who gets results and that is why Tottenham decided to go for it now - rather than wait.

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Whether any manager - let alone De Zerbi - can install his ideas with just seven games left remains to be seen. However, De Zerbi’s head has been turned because the Italian will also know that Tottenham is a huge opportunity.

They have a £1billion stadium, they played Champions League football this season and possess an under-performing squad in desperate need of a coach to drill them, improve them and lift them to safety. De Zerbi did brilliantly in his two years at Brighton, leading them into Europe and also producing entertaining, fast and intense football with his high-press tactics.

That led to him being linked with big jobs like Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Manchester United which is a recurring theme. De Zerbi does not lack ambition. But that was at the heart of his fall out at Brighton with De Zerbi questioning the club’s ambition, the ambition of chairman Tony Bloom and it was only ever going to end one way.

Is Roberto De Zerbi the right man for Tottenham? Have your say in the comments section.

De Zerbi wanted more players, more money spent on the squad and to reach a higher level. It set a worrying tone because De Zerbi talked about his “plan” and the “Tony plan.” Brighton would be nowhere without Bloom and yet De Zerbi was ready to challenge the hierarchy publicly. His outbursts would be uncomfortable at times.

The bigger job never came in England but he moved to Marseille and finished second in his first season, got them back into the Champions League and yet the wheels came off again after they failed to qualify for the knock-out stages.

But De Zerbi is respected by his peers and that is why even Arsenal loaned Ethan Nwaneri because Mikel Arteta thought he would get a good football education at Marseille. That did not last long.

De Zerbi’s comments about Mason Greenwood - shown the door by Manchester United after charges against him, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped - being a “good guy” have clearly sent alarm bells ringing among at least three Spurs supporters’ groups.

Initially, that was a concern for senior figures at Tottenham but that appears to have changed and now they are ready to appoint him - and as quickly as possible. He has a distinctive playing style. The team works hard. Tottenham want to confirm him within the coming days to allow him enough time to work with the players before the Sunderland game on April 12.

If they complete the deal for their man then it will be a thrilling ride with a manager ready to challenge and pull no punches. Tottenham will remember Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte outbursts about the way the club is run. They must know what is coming.

But De Zerbi is older, wiser and with a point to prove in English football. These jobs do not come around very often - and that is why he is thinking about jumping back in.