admin‘He got angry!’ – Ismael Kone opens up on Roberto De Zerbi feud after Tottenham boss accused of being ‘an a*shole’ to Canada international
Ismael Kone opens up on past rift with Roberto De Zerbi, says they have now reconciled
Ismael Kone has addressed his previous clash with Roberto De Zerbi, insisting that their relationship is now on good terms — despite their time together at Marseille ending in disaster. The Canada international admitted their disagreement stemmed from differing football philosophies but revealed that the pair recently met in London to clear the air.
Kone reflects on training ground incident with De Zerbi
Jesse Marsch recently reignited discussion about the relationship between Kone and De Zerbi, claiming the Italian coach treated the midfielder harshly during their time in France. The current Canada national team boss alleged that De Zerbi had been “a real arsehole” towards the young midfielder, who joined Marseille from Watford in 2024 and left for Sassuolo after two years.
Kone made just seven appearances under De Zerbi before being dropped to the bench, and tensions reportedly boiled over during a training ground argument. According to reports, De Zerbi told Kone to find a new club because he would never play for him again.
Kone explains differences in football vision
Kone has since spoken publicly about the situation. While acknowledging the disagreement, the midfielder insisted it came down to differing football philosophies rather than personal hostility, describing it as a clash of ideas between two people passionate about the game.
“We are two people who love football, but with two different visions,” Kone explained to Gazzetta. “He truly has an incredible passion. At that time, I was having some difficulties and probably wasn’t able to give him what he wanted right away. I had a good time in Marseille; it was a great experience.
“I remember the skill of my teammates and the warmth of the fans. I will never be grateful enough for what I experienced there, even if it didn’t go the way I wanted. I will 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 need some freedom. I want to look for the play. He knew it, but that day he got angry.”
Documentary footage brought feud into the spotlight
The incident later became public when Marseille included footage of the argument in a season-review documentary celebrating their return to the Champions League.
Speaking about the documentary, Kone said: “Marseille’s decision. I didn’t know they’d include it in the documentary celebrating that special season with the return to the Champions League. This episode hasn’t changed me. I know where I’m coming from, but I was sorry it might have an impact on those around me. And there’s something nobody knows.”
Despite the publicity surrounding the dispute, Kone revealed that he has since reconciled with De Zerbi during a recent visit to England.
“A couple of weeks ago, I went to London with two teammates,” he added. “I met Roberto, and he gave me a big hug. We talked about so many things, as if nothing had happened. Sometimes social media and the media make everything too big.”
Form at Sassuolo attracting transfer interest
Kone’s career has progressed significantly since leaving Marseille. Now at Sassuolo, the midfielder has scored six goals in Serie A this season and attracted interest from Roma, AC Milan and Inter. The 23-year-old remains focused on his current club and his preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
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