Tottenham Hotspur appointing Roberto De Zerbi as their new men's head coach on a long-term contract has led to the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust releasing another statement
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust believe the club appointing Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach raises serious and far-reaching concerns.
The appointment of De Zerbi will not be universally popular among the Spurs fanbase after three supporter groups on Friday urged the north London club to not appoint De Zerbi due to his past association with Mason Greenwood at Marseille.
Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane and Spurs Reach all expressed their concerns with ‘No to De Zerbi’ statements and PA understands Tottenham carefully considered and discussed the comments and sentiments around Greenwood with De Zerbi during negotiations.
Former Manchester United forward 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 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 has since resumed his career and joined Marseille in 2024.
De Zerbi described Greenwood as a "good guy" who had paid a "heavy price" in November. 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."
The Trust responded to Spurs' announcement of the appointment by issuing its own statement soon after. 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 statement added: "The Club must reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear—chief among them equality, respect, and integrity."
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Spurs are said to have carefully considered and discussed the comments and sentiments around Greenwood with De Zerbi during talks. Proud Lilywhites, Spurs Reach and Women of the Lane are three supporter groups who expressed concern 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.
"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.
"It will take significant effort for many fans to restore their faith in the Club’s leadership. That process must begin with transparency, accountability and a renewed commitment to the principles that define Tottenham Hotspur."