Canada manager Jesse Marsch has launched a scathing attack on Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi, branding him a 'real a**hole' for his treatment of midfielder Ismael Kone during their time together at Marseille.
Background of the Conflict
De Zerbi, who took over at Tottenham in the summer of 2024, had a tumultuous tenure at Marseille. One of the most controversial incidents occurred during a training session when he clashed with Kone, a Canadian international. Footage showed Kone being dispossessed, prompting De Zerbi to yell: 'Oh my god, when I say reduce the touches, reduce the touches.' The Italian manager then ordered Kone to take a shower, saying: 'Go get a shower Isma, we are Olympique Marseille.' As Kone walked away, De Zerbi shouted: 'Call your agent, call your agent, he comes here,' leading to a heated exchange that required intervention from coaching staff and teammates.
De Zerbi's Justification
In a documentary, De Zerbi defended his actions, claiming the difference in Kone's level was 'too big' for the midfielder to play for the club. 'He is one of the players with the most potential at Olympique Marseille, but who didn't always behave well. Someone who had highs and lows that were too big for a player who is ready for Olympique Marseille,' De Zerbi said.
Marsch's Defence of Kone
Jesse Marsch, who managed Leeds United from 2022 to 2023 before taking charge of Canada, has strongly defended his player. 'It wasn't easy for him with De Zerbi in Marseille. De Zerbi was a real a**hole to him, but he stayed strong. He never doubted himself. He found a new environment, and look at him thriving today. I repeat. De Zerbi behaved like a real a**hole to him,' Marsch said.
Marsch also highlighted Kone's resilience and development since leaving Marseille. 'When I took over the reins of Canada, I thought Ismael was a raw player, but full of talent. And since then, I have talked to him a lot about discipline and concentration, and everything that this implies in his daily life: his diet, his sleep habits, his way of training, his way of playing, as well as his overall intelligence. He went to Italy to play for a newly promoted team in a very organised league, and he played an incredibly important role in that team, having an excellent season. Look at the progress he was able to make despite the difficulties.'
Kone's Career Path
Kone was De Zerbi's first signing at Marseille last summer, arriving from Watford in a £15 million deal. However, after just six months and eight league appearances, he was loaned to fellow Ligue 1 side Rennes. He now plays for Sassuolo in Italy, where he has scored six times in 33 games this season.
Other Controversies
De Zerbi has also faced criticism for his public backing of Mason Greenwood, who joined Marseille from Manchester United in 2024 after charges of rape, assault, and coercive and controlling behaviour were dropped. De Zerbi called Greenwood a 'good guy' but later insisted he 'never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women.'
