*This content was translated by AI.
The new coach has been explaining the controversy even before Tottenham Hotspur's first game. In response to comments that he had defended Mason Greenwood (Marceu) in the past, coach Roberto de Gerby made an official apology and chose to break through head-to-head.
In an interview released on the Tottenham club's website on the 3rd (Korea Standard Time), coach De Zerby said, "I apologize to everyone who was hurt by my remarks," adding, "It was never intended to take violence against women or others lightly."
Earlier on the 1st, Tottenham officially announced on the club's official channel that they had signed a long-term contract with manager DeGerby. It did not reveal the specific period, but local media such as 'BBC' consider it a five-year contract. It is the third time this season alone, following Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, since the replacement of Ange Postecoglou. Currently, Tottenham is trailing only 18th-ranked West Ham United by one point, falling to 17th place in the league with seven wins, nine draws and 15 losses (30 points) in 31 EPL matches.
However, despite the unconventional terms of the contract, the fans' reaction was cold. The Tottenham Supporters Trust (THST) issued a statement saying it expressed "serious concern" shortly after De Zerby's appointment. Women of the Rain, a women's fan group, as well as Proud Lilligates, an LGBTQ fan club, took issue with De Zerby's public defense of Greenwood, who was previously accused of attempted sexual assault during his tenure in Marseille. At the time, De Zerby referred to Greenwood as a "good man" and caused controversy by making remarks to the effect that "what happened to him is sad because he knows someone different from what he is portrayed in England."
Tottenham's leadership is also known to have carefully reviewed Greenwood-related remarks during the negotiations, but supporters are still raising their voices, saying, "It's not a matter of just publicly defending a player like Greenwood."
"I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women or violence in a broader sense," De Zerby even said, asking him to answer in his native Italian for a clear apology.
"In my life, I've always been on the side of more vulnerable and vulnerable people," De Zerby said. "I've been constantly fighting and taking a stand to be on the side of people in danger," he said. "Those who know me well will know that I'm not a compromise person to win more games or win another championship."
Also, "I'm sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings with this issue (Greenwood advocacy comments). I also have a daughter and I'm very sensitive to these things. I hope that over time people will get to know me better and understand that I wasn't trying to stand a certain position at the time," he added.
Despite the controversy surrounding him, De Zerby has promised a long-term commitment to Tottenham. "Tottenham manager is a big challenge for me," De Zerby said. He signed a five-year contract. "No matter what, I will be the manager of Tottenham next season," he declared.
"This is a difficult time for Tottenham, but we have the ability to get out of this moment," he said. "I believe in the players. We have to remember who we are. Tottenham have very good players. We must strive to boost their confidence and abilities," he vowed.
Tottenham, facing its biggest crisis, now have only seven games left until the end of the league. Starting with Sunday's away trip to Sunderland, De Zerby will embark on a tough campaign to escape the relegation zone, which will lead to matches against Brighton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea.
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*This content was translated by AI.
