Former Marseille midfielder Ismael Kone has opened up on his difficult relationship with Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi, revealing how tensions between the pair boiled over before they eventually “hugged it out” months later.
De Zerbi has long been recognised as one of football’s most intense and demanding managers, with his passionate touchline behaviour and strict tactical principles often creating friction with players. That fiery personality became particularly visible during his spell at Marseille, where several public disagreements and internal conflicts ultimately contributed to his exit from the French club.
Now thriving at Sassuolo in Serie A, Kone has reflected on the infamous training-ground altercation he had with De Zerbi during their time together in Ligue 1.
“We’re two people who love football, but with different visions,” Kone explained. “He’s incredibly passionate. At that time, I was struggling and probably couldn’t immediately give him what he wanted.”
The Canadian international admitted De Zerbi’s tactical demands clashed with his natural style of play.
“He wants one or two touches in midfield, but I need more freedom to find the play,” Kone said. “He knew that, but that day he got angry.”
Despite the public fallout, the midfielder insisted he holds no bitterness towards the Tottenham manager and acknowledged he could also have handled the situation better.
“I’ll never say anything bad about Roberto. Maybe he could have been more patient with me, and maybe I should not have responded. Arguments happen in football.”
Kone also revealed that the pair have since repaired their relationship after meeting again recently in London during De Zerbi’s current stint at Tottenham Hotspur.
“A couple of weeks ago I went to London with friends and met Roberto,” Kone said. “He hugged me tightly and we spoke like nothing had happened. Sometimes social media and the media make things much bigger than they really are.”
The 23-year-old added that he still looks back positively on his Marseille experience despite the difficult ending, praising both the club’s supporters and the quality of his former teammates.
De Zerbi’s demanding style has already started to shape Tottenham since his arrival, though many believe Spurs fans are only seeing a calmer version of the Italian for now. With the club still navigating a difficult campaign, the former Brighton and Marseille boss has largely focused on rebuilding confidence and morale inside the dressing room.
However, there is growing belief that next season could bring a more uncompromising version of De Zerbi, with the 46-year-old expected to place even greater emphasis on tactical discipline and intensity as he fully implements his philosophy at Spurs.
