Tottenham told Roberto De Zerbi is a ‘fantastic character’ despite fan protest

The Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy can look forward to working with a character like Roberto De Zerbi.

That’s according to Brighton chief executive Paul Barber as his former head coach begins a new challenge in north London.

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Spurs announced the appointment of De Zerbi on a five-year deal on Tuesday and talkSPORT understands the contract has no relegation clause.

He joins the relegation-threatened club just over a month after he left Marseille in France, and two years on from his Brighton exit.

De Zerbi was a huge success on the south coast as he guided them to Europe for the first time in their 124-year-history at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Barber expressed his confidence in the 46-year-old’s ability to make an impact at Spurs.

“Roberto is a fabulous football coach and I’m sure wherever he goes, he will do very well,” he told Jim White.

When asked about their differences at the end of their time working together, a mutual exit, Barber added: “Not differences as such.

“Roberto did two fabulous years with us, we got into Europe for the first time in the club’s history.

“We worked really hard to entertain the fans, which we did.

“And Roberto is a fantastic character to work with.

“Obviously we wished him well when he went to Marseille, and let’s see what the future brings for him.”

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Spurs fan protests against De Zerbi

Amid the speculation over De Zerbi and his move to Spurs, women’s fan group Women of The Lane hit out at the club’s appointment.

De Zerbi was Marseille manager when they signed Mason Greenwood from Manchester United in July 2024.

Greenwood was previously charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.

These charges were dropped in February 2023, with De Zerbi calling the former United forward a ‘good guy’ in November.

“He’s a good guy, he paid a heavy price for what happened, a very heavy price,” he said in quotes per the Daily Telegraph.

In a statement posted last week, Women of The Lane expressed their opposition to De Zerbi amid his comments on Greenwood.

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“There is growing speculation linking Spurs with Roberto De Zerbi,” they said.

“We want to be clear about how this is landing with many women and allies in our community.

“De Zerbi has publicly defended Mason Greenwood in a way that downplays the seriousness of male violence against women and girls.

“That raises serious questions about judgement and leadership.

“Clubs signal their values through the decisions they make. Who they appoint matters. The manager sets the tone, every day, for what is expected, what is tolerated, and how people are treated.

“At a time when Spurs needs to rebuild, that culture matters as much as anything on the pitch.

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“For many in our community, this is difficult to reconcile with the club’s stated commitments to respect, safety and inclusion.

“This is not an appointment Tottenham Hotspur should make. It introduces unnecessary cultural risk without a clear, proven track record to justify it.

“No to De Zerbi.”