ROBERTO DE ZERBI REVEALS THE WARNING HE GAVE MASON GREENWOOD AND SAYS GREENWOOD WAS THE 'FIRST PLAYER' HE CONTACTED TO SIGN FOR MARSEILLE
Roberto De Zerbi, the head coach of Olympique de Marseille, recently opened up about his efforts to sign Mason Greenwood, the former Manchester United forward, and the stern warning he issued to the player before the move. De Zerbi revealed that Greenwood was the first player he contacted after taking over at Marseille, underscoring how highly he valued the young forward's potential despite the controversy surrounding him.
Greenwood, who spent the previous season on loan at Getafe after a lengthy absence from Manchester United, was facing severe scrutiny due to allegations from his personal life. Although the charges were later dropped, the cloud over his reputation remained. De Zerbi, however, remained focused on the footballing aspect, emphasizing that Greenwood’s talents were undeniable. He communicated with Greenwood’s father, who is of a similar age to De Zerbi, and stressed the unique pressures of playing at Marseille—a club with a rich history and passionate fanbase.
De Zerbi also made it clear that while he would support Greenwood as a player, he would not hesitate to hold him accountable if necessary. This stance came in response to concerns raised by some about the potential impact of Greenwood's past on the team. De Zerbi stated that he would defend Greenwood in public but would be the first to confront him if any issues arose. He expressed confidence in the vetting process conducted by Marseille's sporting director, Pablo Longoria, who ensured that they had all the necessary information before proceeding with the signing.
Despite the controversy, Greenwood quickly made his mark at Marseille, scoring in preseason matches, including a notable goal against Augsburg. This performance has begun to shift the narrative, allowing both the player and the club to focus on the future, despite the challenges they have faced off the pitch.
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