Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi apologises for past comments on Mason Greenwood

• ‘I didn’t meant to take a stance,’ says Spurs head coach

• Fan groups had opposed De Zerbi’s appointment

The new Tottenham head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has apologised for his past comments on Marseille forward Mason Greenwood and insisted he would never intentionally downplay the issue of violence against women.

Spurs turned to De Zerbi after interim head coach Igor Tudor was sacked on Sunday with the Premier League outfit in 17th position and only one point above the bottom three after a disastrous campaign.