tottenham Manager Roberto De Zerbi has always been known as a highly emotional personality. Italians are demanding, radical, and often belligerent.
This appeared in Marseille, where he was public about many of his concerns.
This played a role in his exit earlier this year, as he fell out with many in Ligue 1. De Zerbi seems to have adapted to Tottenham's delicate situation with surprising ease, but stories about his personality and approach are well documented.
Details about her broken relationship with Ismail Kone have now emerged.
player recalls problems
The Canadian midfielder has become a rising name in Serie A due to his performances at Sassuolo.
I have now talked to him gazzetta dello sport And he was asked about his relationship with De Zerbi in Marseille. The two were involved in an infamous training ground scrap at the French club, which led to the 2025 Canada international's exit.
Describing the conflict, Kone said: "We are two people who love football, but with two different viewpoints. He is really incredibly passionate. At the time, I was facing some difficulties and maybe I was not able to immediately give him what he wanted."
The Sassuolo player explained how the tactical approach did not suit his playing style.
"I would never say anything bad about Roberto. Maybe he could have been more patient with me, and I could have avoided responding. Things happen. It was an argument like many others.
"He wants one or two touches in the middle of the pitch, but I want a little freedom. I want to watch the game. He knew that, but he got angry that day."
Despite this, Kone has no regrets about his time at Marseille.
"I had a great time at Marseille. It was a great experience. I remember the skill of my teammates and the warmth of the fans. I will never be more grateful for what I experienced there, even if it didn't go the way I wanted."
This couple has ended their mutual rift
Kone revealed that he recently met De Zerbi during his current stint at Tottenham. Both of them have accepted it and have overcome their problems.
"A few weeks ago I went to London with two friends, I met Roberto and he hugged me tightly. We talked about many things, as if nothing had happened. Sometimes social media and the media make everything too big.
"Marseille's decision. I didn't know they would include it in the documentary celebrating that special season with the return of the Champions League. This episode has not changed me.
"I know where I'm coming from. I'm sorry that this may be affecting people around me. And there's something that no one knows."
tottenham players will know
This is an excellent example of how De Zerbi typically works. He wants his teams to play faster between the lines, rather than slowing down the pace of the game.
Although it has been seen at Tottenham, it seems like a softer version of the Italian so far. He has understood the situation very well and is constantly praising the players for lifting their mood.
At the same time, this 46 year old version will not work. Things will be different next season. De Zerbi will focus more on imposing his views and that is when Spurs players will see a more radical version of him.
