At a glance:
- Tottenham boss had a spat with Ismael Kone
- The midfielder left Marseille after it
- Kone opens up about Roberto De Zerbi
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi had a training session spat with Ismael Kone during their time at Marseille.
De Zerbi is known to be a volatile figure and has fallen out at both his previous clubs, i.e., Brighton and Marseille. While he is excellent with tactics and even man management with some players, it is certainly not true with everyone.
The Italian had an argument with Kone at Marseille, which led to the midfielder leaving the club. He has now shared his thoughts on the incident.
Ismael Kone opens up about Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi
Marseille released a documentary that showed De Zerbi arguing with Kone about his passing and first touches. He even asked the midfielder to call his agent.
The 23-year-old then left Marseille to join Sassuolo on loan in July 2025 before the move was made permanent in February this year.
Kone has opened up about the incident in an interview with Gazzetta and said:
“He truly has an incredible passion. At that time, I was having some difficulties and probably wasn’t able to give him what he wanted right away. I had a good time in Marseille; it was a great experience.”
“I remember the skill of my teammates and the warmth of the fans. I will never be grateful enough for what I experienced there, even if it didn’t go the way I wanted.
“I will never say anything bad about Roberto: maybe he could have been more patient with me, and I could have avoided responding.
“Things happen. It was an argument like many others: he wants one or two touches in the middle of the pitch, but I need some freedom. I want to look for the play. He knew it, but that day he got angry,” he added.
Also Read: What Roberto De Zerbi has done privately at Tottenham that’s made a ‘big difference’
Kone had joined Marseille from Watford in 2024 under De Zerbi. However, he made just nine senior appearances for the French side.
Jesse Marsch’s comments about De Zerbi
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch labeled De Zerbi an “a**hole” for the incident in a recent interview. He heaped praise on Kone for escaping that environment and improving himself at a young age.
He also continued to label the Italian an “a**hole”.
However, this is the only well-known such incident with De Zerbi. Most of his former players at Brighton and Marseille have lauded his man management and his tactics.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg likened him to Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Antonio Conte. The likes of Lewis Dunk and Kaoru Mitoma also praised his playing style.
Also Read: Conor Gallagher lauds Roberto De Zerbi immediately after Tottenham’s Aston Villa win
Moreover, Tottenham players have also been impressed by De Zerbi’s training methods, tactics, and man management. The likes of Conor Gallagher, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Destiny Udogie have praised the Italian.
Tottenham’s performances have also exponentially improved under him. Spurs will hope this relationship continues like this, as De Zerbi has signed a five-year deal at the club.
