Olympique Marseille coach Roberto de Zerbi (Photo: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur have announced the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as the club’s new manager.
The 46-year-old Italian manager has signed a long-term contract with the London club and has been tasked with helping the team bounce back strongly and ensure their safety in the Premier League. Tottenham are battling relegation this season and are in need of a managerial change following their results under Igor Tudor.
De Zerbi is highly regarded across Europe and Tottenham will be hoping he can reinvigorate the team. However, his appointment sparked an explosive reaction from the confidence of Tottenham Hotspur supporters. The Italian manager’s previous comments in support of Mason Greenwood have not gone down well with Tottenham fans who believe the appointment is deeply concerning.
They also believe Tottenham should have made an interim appointment until the end of the season and considered other options in the summer. Comments like this reflect a lack of respect and support for the newly appointed manager. It remains to be seen how Italians will react to this situation.
THST released the following statement:: “De Zerbi’s comments about Mason Greenwood were unnecessary, ill-judged and deeply offensive to many supporters, and will no doubt have worried victims of male violence. We believe that if left unchecked, these comments will cause a rift between supporters. It is worrying that the club would put us in this position at a time when the team needs its fans the most.”
“The club must reaffirm its commitment to the values that its fans hold dear, in particular equality, respect and integrity. Any sympathy for alleged perpetrators of physical or sexual violence against women fundamentally undermines confidence in the stewardship of this club.”
“With this appointment, communications from the club and Mr de Zerbi must clearly and unequivocally reaffirm these values. Furthermore, those words must be backed up by meaningful action, including visible and continued support for women’s charities and organizations working to combat violence against women.”
Tottenham are in a precarious situation at the moment and need fans, players and managers to come together in the same direction if they are to stay safe and finish the season strong. It is unlikely that the gap between fans and the club’s hierarchy will be resolved successfully due to the new manager.
