Mason Greenwood was the subject of stinging criticism from Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi after the French side's home defeat to Lille on Saturday evening
Roberto De Zerbi and Mason Greenwood
Roberto de Zerbi expected Mason Greenwood to do more against Lille
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Mason Greenwood found himself in the firing line from his own boss after Marseille suffered a home defeat to Lille.
The former Manchester United academy product was subjected to harsh criticism from Roberto De Zerbi, the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion chief. Greenwood joined the French club last year, shortly after charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault were dropped - he had denied all allegations.
De Zerbi has generally been satisfied with the forward, who has netted 11 goals and provided four assists across 19 outings in all competitions. Nevertheless, the Italian made a point of singling out Greenwood's display against Lille for particular censure.
He declared: "We played badly and we deserved to lose. We didn't string three passes together. We lost every second ball. Even with dribbling, we couldn't beat anyone. Defensively, we were never as aggressive as we usually are.
"We were passive from the first minute to the last. One shot on target for a player like Greenwood isn't enough for him. Shooting so infrequently isn't sufficient."
This represents a sharp departure from Greenwood's recent praise for De Zerbi, where he credited the Italian with helping to resurrect his footballing career. The 24-year-old told Telefoot: "I'm in a really good place thanks to the coach and my teammates.
"I feel good and I hope to improve, to win more awards this season. Roberto De Zerbi? He's the brains of the team, the architect of our game. He helps me understand football much better, he helps me improve every day."
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney recently backed Greenwood to potentially represent England once more in the future. The Wibsey-born attacker was awarded Jamaican citizenship and received a passport from the Caribbean nation in August.
Nevertheless, he has not yet featured for Jamaica's national squad. In his Sun column, Deeney argued that Greenwood deserves another opportunity with England, provided his displays merit selection.
The ex-striker penned: "Football cannot be a place where people are written off after mistakes, alleged or not, in their younger years. This is not to dismiss the seriousness of those allegations. Greenwood will live with them forever.
Mason Greenwood
Mason Greenwood left Man United in the summer of 2024
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"In truth, he does not owe an explanation to football supporters. It is his friends and family he must prove himself to. But, if he wants an England return, he must address it in public – prove he is worthy of wearing the England shirt, show he can be trusted.
"Rebuilding trust is the only way this can ever happen and it is an incredibly hard thing to achieve. It would be taxing on Greenwood himself having to face such justified scrutiny. If Greenwood can face that and come through it.
"He deserves a second chance with England. If there were to be no way back whatsoever, the game is setting a dangerous precedent. Sending a message that any mistake in your personal life rules you out for good."
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