Marseille Boss Roberto De Zerbi Lauds Mason Greenwood as 'World-Class' Talent
Roberto De Zerbi has delivered a glowing tribute to Mason Greenwood, describing the Marseille forward as a "world-class" player who has matured significantly through adversity. The Italian manager's comments came during a press conference where he reflected on Greenwood's remarkable career revival in France.
From Controversy to Comeback: Greenwood's Journey
The 24-year-old forward left Manchester United under controversial circumstances in summer 2024, following his arrest in January 2022 on charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault. These serious allegations led to his banishment from the United squad and exclusion from England's national team.
Although the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew their involvement, Greenwood remained in exile at Old Trafford before eventually securing a £26.7 million transfer to Marseille.
De Zerbi's Heartfelt Praise
"We always need a Greenwood like the one we saw in the last two matches," declared De Zerbi, the former Brighton manager who now leads Marseille. "He's a world-class Greenwood because, in addition to what his mother and father taught him, he's becoming a complete player."
The Italian coach emphasized Greenwood's resilience, noting: "He's also had his share of difficult times, but he didn't leave and he stayed here. He understood that we were telling him things for his own good and for the good of Olympique Marseille."
Family Influence and Personal Growth
Greenwood's father and agent Andrew has played a pivotal role throughout his son's career, even living with him in Spain during his initial loan spell at Getafe between January and June 2024. Meanwhile, his mother Melanie remained in their family home in Bowdon, Cheshire.
De Zerbi observed noticeable personal development in the forward, stating: "He smiles sometimes, he talks a bit more. He's less withdrawn than before. And that's a positive thing. Now everyone can really appreciate Greenwood even more than before."
Impressive On-Field Performance
Greenwood's statistics speak volumes about his impact at Marseille, with 22 goals and eight assists from just 31 matches across all competitions this season. Despite this impressive contribution, Marseille has faced considerable turmoil in 2026, particularly following their disappointing Champions League exit.
The French club failed to qualify for the tournament's play-off phase after Benfica leapfrogged them on goal difference following a dramatic 4-2 victory over Real Madrid. This setback reportedly led De Zerbi to submit his resignation letter after Marseille's 3-0 defeat by Club Brugge, though he later retracted it.
Managerial Challenges and Future Prospects
De Zerbi admitted he may not be the "ideal coach" for Marseille while taking partial responsibility for their Champions League elimination. The situation prompted sporting director Medhi Benatia to warn of "consequences" for both manager and players.
"We lost an important match. We're out of the Champions League," De Zerbi acknowledged. "Pablo Longoria and Medhi Benatia, we spoke last night. We met to try and find the best possible solution. This match is also partly my fault. We'll do everything to bounce back. I'm still here."
Despite these challenges, De Zerbi remains committed to developing Greenwood further, insisting he holds the forward to higher standards than before. "He's truly become a player," the manager added. "I hope he continues like this. I'm threatening him with that, assuring him that he has to keep going like this and that it's primarily for his own good."
