Roberto De Zerbi is being considered by Tottenham after parting ways with Igor Tudor, but several fan groups have united against the former Brighton manager’s move.
Roberto De Zerbi named on Tottenham’s shortlist (Image: Getty)
Three Tottenham supporters’ organizations have issued a statement opposing the potential appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as Spurs’ next manager following the sacking of Igor Tudor. The north Londoners will not be able to win the Premier League in 2026 after Tudor replaced Thomas Frank last month.
Tottenham lost 3-0 at home to Nottingham Forest, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone, and on Sunday announced Tudor’s departure as manager after just six weeks in charge. As Tottenham bosses consider their next move, De Zerbi is seen as the ideal candidate after impressing previously at Brighton.
However, his comments about former Marseille manager Mason Greenwood have been flagged as a serious red flag. As a result, fan groups united in a “No Campaign for Roberto De Zerbi”, believing that his feelings towards Greenwood were damaging the club’s culture.
The former Manchester United star was arrested on suspicion of rape, assault and coercive and controlling behavior, but prosecutors dropped the charges. After leaving Manchester and joining Marseille, De Zerbi claimed he was a “good person” but had paid a “big price” and was “completely different from the person he has been described”.
read more: Tottenham’s woes continue as top target turns down manager searchread more: Tottenham ‘considering’ move for Sean Dyche as Igor Tudor’s announcement schedule revealed
These comments have not been forgotten by many Tottenham supporters, who believe he downplayed the allegations against Greenwood. Women of the Lane said in a statement: “Clubs express their values through the decisions they make.
“Who you appoint is important. The manager sets the tone every day about what is expected, what is tolerated and how people are treated. At a time when Spurs need to rebuild, that culture is just as important as everything on the pitch.”
“For many in our community, this is difficult to reconcile with the club’s commitment to respect, safety and inclusivity. This is not the appointment Tottenham Hotspur should make. Without a clear and proven track record to justify it, it poses an unnecessary cultural risk.”
Roberto De Zerbi previously started defending Mason Greenwood (Image: 2025 Jean Catuffe)
Proud Lilywhites, another group involved in the campaign, said: “When someone in such a 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 also in what it suggests.”
Spurs manager Leitch said of De Zerbi: “Regardless of intent, frameworks of this nature risk normalizing harmful attitudes, degrading the experience for survivors and sending a very worrying message about what is acceptable in the game.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
England’s 2026 World Cup kit
Various prices
england official store
Buy now from England’s official store
England and Nike have launched new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Use code: ENGFREEDEL to get free shipping on all orders.
