Roberto De Zerbi has struggled for form since signing a long-term deal with Tottenham Hotspur at the end of March, as the club stare down the barrel of relegation
Facundo Medina has explained that he was “furious” with Roberto De Zerbi’s decision to leave Marseille in February.
The 46-year-old was in charge of the Ligue 1 giants for just two years before he left via mutual consent following a torrid run of form and the club’s early exit from the Champions League. After a brief break in managerial duties, the Italian was appointed as the new head coach of Tottenham Hotspur in late March.
It marked the club’s third manager this season, following the dismissal of Thomas Frank in February and Igor Tudor’s departure after just 44 days and seven games in charge.
However, Marseille defender Medina has now opened up about his former coach’s decision to part ways with the French outfit. Speaking with RMC Sport, he said: ” For me, it deeply annoyed me, I was furious.”
The Argentine also explained how he had brought up his frustration with De Zerbi in the aftermath, adding: “It bothered me a lot, I told Roberto.
“He and I have a very sincere relationship because we have somewhat similar backgrounds. We share a similar childhood and this fire or this passion that lives within us.
“That’s why it hurts me so much when I know that some people make sacrifices to support us, and we can’t reciprocate that investment.”
He continued: “His departure hurt, it was disruptive, but it’s our responsibility to continue our mission. We couldn’t control it, we have to take responsibility for our mistakes.
“I came here to be part of a project. Six months later the coach left, then the president, and soon (sporting director) Medhi Benatia…
“These are blows that hurt, and we’re human beings, we can be affected. But personally, it will never stop me from stepping onto the pitch with the desire, the hunger, the will, and the right attitude.”
De Zerbi has failed to secure victory in his first two matches at the helm of Spurs, suffering a 1-0 loss to Sunderland AFC on his debut before being held to a 2-2 draw by Brighton at the weekend.
Up next for the head coach is a trip to Molineux to face a rock-bottom Wolves side come Saturday, April 25, where he will hope for his first win.
Just four games remain in May following that encounter, as Tottenham take on Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton. With the club currently sitting 18th in the Premier League standings, two points from safety, De Zerbi does not have the advantage of time to turn things around.
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