The Independent

Roberto De Zerbi has apologised for his comments surrounding Mason Greenwood and his past in a first Tottenham Hotspur interview since joining the club.

The Italian faced a backlash due to his stance on Greenwood during their time together at Marseille, having praised the former Manchester United attacker’s character.

In 2022, Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning bodily harm towards the same woman, though all charges were subsequently dropped in 2023, with the player denying any wrongdoing.

The former Brighton manager said Greenwood was a “good guy” and that he had paid a “heavy price,” adding: “It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.”

In response to the criticism, including that of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST), De Zerbi said: “I 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 I’m not the type of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title.

“I’m sorry if this offended anyone and their feelings 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 mean to take a stance.”

Spurs turned to De Zerbi after sacking interim head coach Igor Tudor last Sunday, with the club languishing in 17th place in the Premier League, just a point above the bottom three after a dismal season.

The 46-year-old also reiterated his long-term commitment to the club, even if Spurs drop down to the Championship: “I signed five years of contract because, for me, it is a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.

“It’s a difficult moment for everyone at Tottenham but I think we have the right qualities to come out of this moment.

“I believe in the players. I think we have to remember who we are and who the players are, because we have very big players and we have to work on their confidence and qualities.”

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New Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has already been dealt an injury blow after midfielder Pape Sarr was unable to feature for Senegal in their friendly with Gambia.

De Zerbi was confirmed as Spurs head coach on Tuesday on a five-year deal, which does not contain a relegation release clause, despite the north London club being only one point above the Premier League bottom three.

With seven games left this season, De Zerbi has limited time to work with a team without a league win in 2026, but has immediately been affected by an ongoing injury crisis in N17.

Senegal midfielder Sarr joined up with his national team last week and featured in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Peru, but was left out of the squad to face Gambia on Tuesday due to a shoulder injury, according to Senegalese media.

Any potential injury to Sarr would be untimely for De Zerbi, who has already discovered a lengthy list of absentees at Tottenham’s Hotspur Way training ground, with Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus all previously sidelined or currently unavailable.

It adds to an already-complicated start to life at Spurs after De Zerbi’s appointment faced opposition from sections of the fanbase.

Three supporters’ groups produced “No to De Zerbi” statements last Friday, owing to past comments about Marseille forward Mason Greenwood.

Former Manchester United forward Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm over allegations relating to a woman after images and videos were posted online.

The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023 owing to “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”, which meant there was “no realistic prospect of conviction”. Greenwood, who denied the charges, has since resumed his career and joined Marseille in 2024.

In November, De Zerbi described Greenwood as a “good guy”, who had paid a “heavy price” and added: “It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.”

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust explained on Tuesday they had “serious and far-reaching concerns” with this appointment.

It’s understood Spurs carefully considered and discussed the comments and sentiments around Greenwood with De Zerbi during negotiations.

Later on Tuesday, Spurs’ LGBTQI+ fan group Proud Lilywhites said: “Whilst we disagree with the managerial choice, in terms of culture and competence, we will continue to support the players without pretending to be comfortable with the appointment.

“Staying silent is not the answer. But choosing when and where to be vocal matters.

“Managers come and go. Executives come and go. Players come and go. Fans remain. We are the constant in this club.

“We will continue to represent the views of our members to the club, alongside the other supporter associations.

“This is not noise or reaction. It is a considered position and it is not going away.”

Spurs Reach added: “As a group of fans who care about inclusion, representation and how people are treated, this one doesn’t fully sit right with us, both culturally and in the bigger picture.

“That said, we’re Spurs through and through… our support for the club we love, the community and each other goes way beyond any one appointment.”

Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment as Tottenham manager “raises serious and far-reaching concerns” following his public support of former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) has said.

De Zerbi has signed a five-year contract at Spurs with the club facing a relegation battle, sitting just one point above the relegation zone with seven games remaining. De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton in the Premier League, replaces the interim manager Igor Tudor, following the Croatian’s disastrous 44-day spell in charge.

But several Tottenham supporters’ groups, including Proud Lilywhites, urged the club to not appoint De Zerbi due to the Italian having backed Greenwood during his time in charge in charge of Marseille. The TST said those concerns were brought to the club directly while Spurs considered De Zerbi’s appointment.

Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm over allegations relating to a young women after images and videos were posted online.

The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023 owing to a “combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses” and due to “no realistic prospect of conviction”.

In November, De Zerbi described Greenwood as a “good guy” that had paid a “heavy price” and added: “It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.”

In a statement, the TST said De Zerbi’s comments on Greenwood were “unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters and, without doubt, will have left victims of male violence alarmed”.

The group said the appointment of De Zerbi could “create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team” and it was “concerning that the club would put us in this position right when the team needs fans the most”.

On De Zerbi’s comments, the TST said: “If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the club we love.”

The TST also called on Tottenham to “reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear - chief among them equality, respect, and integrity” and said any future messages from De Zerbi “must clearly and unequivocally reaffirm these values”.

Tottenham considered and discussed De Zerbi’s backing of Greenwood and his comments about him during negotiations with the Italian, but sporting director Johan Lange confirmed the club had landed their “number one target for the summer” and Spurs were “pleased to be able to bring him in now”.

In a statement accompanying Tottenham’s announcement, De Zerbi insisted he is committed to the club’s “ambition for the future”. The Italian lasted less than two seasons in his previous two spells at Brighton and Marseille, and he has been immediately thrown into a relegation battle.

The THST said: “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.”

In a statement following De Zerbi’s appointment, Proud Lilywhites said: “Whilst we disagree with the managerial choice, in terms of culture and competence, we will continue to support the players without pretending to be comfortable with the appointment.

“Staying silent is not the answer. But choosing when and where to be vocal matters. Managers come and go. Executives come and go. Players come and go. Fans remain. We are the constant in this club. We will continue to represent the views of our members to the club, alongside the other supporter associations. This is not noise or reaction. It is a considered position, and it is not going away.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been contacted for comment

Mauricio Pochettino has expressed confidence that his former club, Tottenham Hotspur, will avoid relegation from the Premier League, even as his primary focus remains on leading the United States at the upcoming World Cup.

The 54-year-old Argentine is currently preparing to guide the tournament's co-hosts when the World Cup commences on 11 June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

His name has recently resurfaced in connection with the vacant managerial position at Spurs, who are actively seeking a permanent head coach following the dismissal of Thomas Frank in February.

Interim boss Igor Tudor also departed the London club on Sunday. Former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has since taken over as head coach.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Portugal, Pochettino reflected on his time at the club.

"With my connection to Tottenham, it's impossible to feel nothing about Tottenham, about the club, the people that work there, and about the fans. That was one of the best experiences of my life," he stated.

He added: "That's my wish, and I am sure they're going to stay up, with a coach or without a coach, because of the players. I think there are the players and then it's a club with fans that are going to make everything to create the energy to win..."

Pochettino has enjoyed three spells in the Premier League, beginning with Southampton before a five-year stint at Spurs, where he established them as regular top-four contenders and led them to the 2019 Champions League final. He returned to England for a single season with Chelsea.

Spurs are in danger of being relegated from England's top flight for the first time since 1977, sitting one point and one place above the relegation zone after 31 games and without a league win since December.

"At the moment, I think we are very, very focused, full focus here on the World Cup. I think everyone knows that I am committed to the national team here. I think it's not a point to talk about the future at the moment," Pochettino added.

"Never, say never. In football, everything can happen."

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Tottenham close in on appointing Roberto De Zerbi as new head coach

George Sessions

Tuesday 31 March 2026 15:50 BST

Tottenham Hotspur has reached an agreement in principle with Roberto De Zerbi to become their permanent head coach, with only minor final details awaiting resolution.

The appointment follows the departure of interim boss Igor Tudor, who was dismissed after a shambolic 44-day reign that saw the club lose five of seven matches.

De Zerbi faces the immediate and significant challenge of saving Tottenham from relegation, as the club is currently just one point above the bottom three after a 13-match winless streak in the Premier League.

The decision to appoint De Zerbi has been met with opposition from some Spurs supporter groups, including Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane, and Spurs Reach, due to his past association with Mason Greenwood.

Concerns stem from De Zerbi's comments in November, where he described Greenwood as a 'good guy' who had paid a 'heavy price', following the dropping of charges against the player.

Roberto De Zerbi is poised to take on the challenge of keeping Tottenham in the Premier League, with discussions between the parties reportedly in advanced stages.

Spurs refocused its attention on De Zerbi following Igor Tudor’s departure on Sunday.

Although the former Brighton manager initially preferred to defer his decision until the summer, he now appears set to reverse course and assume immediate control.

Reports emerging from De Zerbi’s native Italy on Monday morning indicated his willingness to engage with Tottenham’s offer, which includes a five-year contract.

Should he accept, the 46-year-old would become the club’s fourth head coach within a span of just 10 months.

De Zerbi has been a recurring name linked with the Spurs vacancy, first in 2023 and again more recently after Thomas Frank's exit on 11 February.

However, a sabbatical until the season's conclusion had been anticipated after his departure from Marseille in the same week.

Tottenham therefore turned to Tudor as interim head coach, but his shambolic 44-day reign produced five defeats in seven matches alongside a catalogue of questionable tactical choices and only increased the realistic threat of a first relegation since 1977.

It forced Spurs into one final roll of the dice and, with fans’ favourite Mauricio Pochettino contracted to lead the United States at this summer’s World Cup, De Zerbi has profited from being the best and most viable candidate currently on the market.

Pochettino was asked on Monday if he had received any contact from Tottenham or Real Madrid, and told a press conference: “We have our full focus here on the World Cup.

“I think everyone knows that I am committed with the national team. I think there’s no a point to talk about the future. At the moment no (team) has approached.”

First-team coach Bruno Saltor was tasked with taking training for the players not on international duty after Spurs moved on from Tudor on Sunday.

However, Tottenham expected a new head coach would be hired by the middle of this week to give them 10 days to prepare for the April 12 trip to Sunderland – and that is set to be De Zerbi.

The anticipated appointment will not be universally popular among Spurs fans, with three supporters groups on Friday having called for De Zerbi not to be hired due to his past comments on Marseille forward Mason Greenwood.

Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane and Spurs Reach all expressed their concerns with ‘No to De Zerbi’ statements.

Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online.

The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023, citing “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”, which meant there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”. Greenwood has since resumed his career and joined Marseille in 2024.

In November, when De Zerbi was Marseille boss, he described Greenwood as a “good guy” and added: “It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.”

Next Tottenham manager: Six options to replace Igor Tudor  The Independent

Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with Igor Tudor after just 44 days in charge with the club periliously close to being relegated from the Premier League.

Tudor was brought in as a short-term option to replace former manager Thomas Frank who was sacked in January but his appointment has been a disaster.

Taking charge for just seven games, Tudor has overseen four Premier League defeats in five games as well as Spurs’ exit from the Champions League after they were beaten 7-5 on aggregate by Atletico Madrid.

Tottenham now sit 17th in the table and are just one point above West Ham United with seven matches of the season remaining.

Announcing Tudor’s departure the club released a statement which reads: “We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect.

“Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of Goalkeeping Coach and Physical Coach.

“We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly. We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time.

“An update on a new Head Coach will be provided in due course.”

The appointment of Tottenham’s next head coach will be crucial for the long-term stability of the club and there are plenty of candidates to take over from Tudor.

It remains to be seen whether the Spurs hierarchy will appoint another manager on a short-term basis or if they will choose a long-term option whose first goal will be to avoid dropping out of the English top-flight.

Tottenham Hotspur are searching for another manager to steer them away from the growing threat of Premier League relegation after sacking Igor Tudor.

The Croatian was a left-field appointment, with no Premier League experience, and lasted just seven games in charge after replacing Thomas Frank last month.

Spurs are winless in the Premier League this year and were plunged deeper into crisis after a dismal 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in a relegation battle last week.

Whoever comes in next will need to hit the ground running, with seven games of the season remaining and Tottenham just one point above the relegation zone.

They do not play again until Sunday 12 April, with the trip to Sunderland followed by a home match against Brighton the following week. But who will the club turn to to take charge of this relegation battle?

Tottenham’s most successful modern-day manager is preparing to lead co-hosts the United States into the World Cup this summer, but could the Argentine be convinced to rescue his beloved Spurs over the final seven games of the season?

Pochettino would be a popular appointment and would unite the club in a time of crisis - Spurs fans continue to sing his name, six years on from his departure from club. There has also been some talk that the 54-year-old will want to return to club management following the World Cup, with a permanent Tottenham return a possibility, anyway.

Tottenham had also looked at Pochettino after sacking Thomas Frank in February and he was identified as their first-choice. But the World Cup complicated matters, forcing Spurs to turn to an emergency option in Tudor. And those complications remain now.

The Independent has previously reported that Tottenham previously considered turning to Dyche, after identifying the former Burnley and Everton boss as one of the few remaining “survival specialists” out there with recent Premier League experience. Dyche, however, was sacked by Nottingham Forest in February after just four months and 17 matches, having failed to turn their fortunes around.

Undoubtedly a nostalgic, even romantic, option - and one of the few available contenders who really ‘gets the club’ - but is this really what Tottenham need right now? The 79-year-old has been retired since 2017 and his last Premier League job was over a decade ago. But Redknapp is available, now Cheltenham is over, and he is keen, as he told anyone who asked him at the Festival: “Would I go back? Of course I would, but I doubt very much it’s going to happen”.

It wouldn’t be the first time the former Tottenham midfielder and assistant coach had been called into the caretaker role, having replaced Jose Mourinho in 2020/21 and Cristian Stellini in 2022/23. Since then, Mason lasted six months at West Brom and was sacked by the Championship club in January. Having worked under Ange Postecoglou, Mason, 34, would be familiar to the current squad - and could even assist any of the above options if required.

A more recent name to emerge into the conversation, but Spurs may now be hesitant to turn to another manager with no Premier League experience after their disastrous decision to appoint Tudor. Hutter, a 56-year-old coach from Austria, was most recently in charge of Monaco, following a poor spell in charge of Borussia Monchengladbach and a more impressive one at Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany. But this would be another left-field move.