Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Roberto de Zerbi is well-documented as Igor Tudor’s future remains in doubt.
The Croatian has picked up just one point from five Premier League games in charge of the club, with their recent 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest pushing them perilously close to the relegation zone.
A decision has yet to be made on Tudor’s future, but Tottenham are keen on De Zerbi, who is without a job since leaving Marseille by mutual consent last month.
The Italian’s credentials are unquestionable, to say the least.
However, three Tottenham supporters clubs from across the country have released strong statements opposing his potential arrival, citing his handling of Mason Greenwood’s situation at Marseille as a reason.
Tottenham fans veto De Zerbi pursuit
De Zerbi is no stranger to the Premier League, having impressed with his free-flowing brand of attacking football with Brighton & Hove Albion before his move to France.
He was at the helm at Marseille when they made the controversial decision to sign Greenwood, who had an ongoing assault charge against him at the time.
In the wake of recent links with the Italian, Tottenham supporters have released strong statements against his arrival, urging the hierarchy to uphold the club’s values.
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Women of the Lane, Spurs’ supporters’ association for women, wrote, “De Zerbi has publicly defended Mason Greenwood in a way that downplays the seriousness of male violence against women and girls. That raises serious questions about judgement and leadership.
“Clubs signal their values through the decisions they make. Who they appoint matters. The manager sets the tone, every day, for what is expected, what is tolerated, and how people are treated.
“At a time when Spurs needs to rebuild, that culture matters as much as anything on the pitch.
“For many in our community, this is difficult to reconcile with the club’s stated commitments to respect, safety and inclusion.
“This is not an appointment Tottenham Hotspur should make. It introduces unnecessary cultural risk without a clear, proven track record to justify it.”
Spurs Reach said in a similar statement: “Comments previously attributed to Roberto De Zerbi, including public remarks defending and contextualising Mason Greenwood following serious allegations, have been widely criticised for appearing to minimise the gravity of violence against women.
“Regardless of intent, framing of this nature risks normalising harmful attitudes, diminishing the experiences of survivors, and sending a deeply concerning message about what is tolerated within the game.”
And finally, Proud Lilywhites also had their say on the matter, with all three supporters groups releasing statements simultaneously.
“When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters, not just in isolation but in what it signals.
“We are proud of the progress that’s been made in making football more inclusive and welcoming. That progress matters, and it cannot be compromised or treated as secondary.
“We are not asking for perfection. We are asking for accountability, transparency, and leadership that reflects the values this club claims to stand for.
“All together, always. That has to mean something. No to De Zerbi.”
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Despite knowing of Greenwood’s criminal charges at the time, De Zerbi appeared to publicly defend Greenwood shortly before his imminent Marseille arrival.
“I don’t know his background”, said the Italian (quotes via The Athletic), adding that he would defend all his players publicly “like [they were] my sons”.
Tottenham’s other managerial candidates
The managerial situation at the club has been impossible to predict in recent weeks.
Tudor’s future is set to be decided by Monday, with the Croatian currently mourning the loss of his father, Mario.
A handful of names have been thrown into the mix, but Tottenham are considering making an approach for Sean Dyche, who has been without a job since his Nottingham Forest sacking last month.
The Englishman has been there and done it in terms of helping teams avoid the drop, which is exactly what Tottenham need at the moment.
The timing also works out quite well, with the Lilywhites not in Premier League action until the 12th of April when they face Sunderland.
All things considered, Tottenham need to decide whether to stick or twist with Tudor as the prospect of relegation continues to loom large at N17.
