Soccer
Friday’s briefing: Roberto De Zerbi apologises for Mason Greenwood comments
New Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has apologised for his past comments on Marseille forward Mason Greenwood – and insisted he will still be in charge next season “no matter what”.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna faced questions over the controversial visit of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to Portman Road, while it is all change at the Italian Football Federation after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Roberto De Zerbi strikes conciliatory tone
New Tottenham boss De Zerbi has apologized for his past comments on Greenwood and insisted he would never intentionally downplay the issue of violence against women.
Spurs turned to De Zerbi after sacking Igor Tudor, with the Premier League outfit in 17th position and only one point above the bottom three after a disastrous campaign.
However, De Zerbi faced opposition from some fan groups in the days before his appointment due to his remarks as Marseille boss about Greenwood, who faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault causing actual bodily harm in 2022 before they were dropped.
“I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women or violence against anyone more broadly,” De Zerbi said in his first interview with Tottenham’s in-house media, answering the question in Italian.
“In my life, I have always stood up for those who are more vulnerable, more fragile, I’ve consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most at risk.
“Those of you who know me well will know that I am not the kind of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title.”
De Zerbi’s immediate focus is Tottenham’s current precarious position in the Premier League and he promised to be in charge next season “no matter what” – even if they are in the Championship.
The Italian said: “It is a difficult moment for everyone at Tottenham, but I think we have the right qualities to come out of this moment.”
Kieran McKenna urges fans to stay onside
Ipswich boss McKenna is confident the controversial visit of Farage to Portman Road last week will not undermine the club’s Premier League promotion bid.
A section of Ipswich fans criticised Farage’s visit before a rally at Trinity Park in Ipswich later the same day, while the club defended their decision to allow him to attend following the backlash on social media.
The club said in a statement that they remained “apolitical” and will engage with representatives “from across the political spectrum”.
McKenna’s side resume their automatic promotion bid at home to Birmingham on Monday.
“In terms of any concerns inside the training ground here, with the staff, with players, then honestly, I feel everyone is really together, really motivated and looking forward to the run-in,” the Town boss said.
“Our home support always has been fantastic in my time here. And the best way that we can bring that support behind the team and keep everyone noisy and pushing us, is to deliver a really strong performance in the absolute identity that the supporters can be proud of.”
All change for the Azzurri
Gabriele Gravina resigned from his position as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following the country’s failure to qualify for this summer’s World Cup.
And former Italy goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon has stood down from his role as FIGC head of delegation.
The Azzurri suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tuesday evening’s play-off final in Zenica.
Four-time champions Italy became the first former winners to miss out on three consecutive World Cups.
An election to appoint Gravina’s replacement will take place on June 22.
Rampant Barcelona march on
Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 6-0 in front of a crowd of more than 60,000 at the Nou Camp, completing a resounding 12-2 aggregate victory to coast into the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League.
Pere Romeu’s side go on to play Bayern Munich.
Lyon then saw off Wolfsburg 4-0 after extra-time to overturn their one-goal deficit from the first leg and secure a semi-final against holders Arsenal.
What’s on today?
Good Friday will see a full EFL fixture list, with Middlesbrough hosting promotion rivals Millwall in the Sky Bet Championship’s 12.30pm kick-off.
