Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that he issued Mason Greenwood a warning before the English forward's £27m move from Manchester United to Marseille.
The former outcast at Old Trafford was the first signing made under De Zerbi - who also joined the club this summer after leaving Brighton following their last game of the 2023-24 season.
Greenwood spent last season on loan at LaLiga side Getafe and had not played for United since being arrested in January 2022.
He was then charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour. Greenwood vehemently denied any wrongdoing and the charges and case were dropped in February 2023 when key witnesses withdrew.
De Zerbi pushed for Marseille to sign Greenwood, despite protests from fans and even vocal opposition from the French city's mayor.
The Marseille manager though has now told L'Equipe: 'Greenwood is the first player I called. I spoke with his father, who must be the same age as me.
'I warned him about the demands of this club, telling him: "Marseille in Marseille".
'He replied: "I remember the historic Marseille which played in European Cup finals".'
Despite the protests from some fans towards the player, De Zerbi said he would continue to defend him.
He said: 'I said that when a player becomes my player, I am the first to pin him to the wall when he makes a mistake.
'But towards the outside, I will always defend him as I would defend my son.'
Mayor of Marseille, Benoit Payan, opposed the signing, insisting that he does not want the club 'shamed by someone who hits his wife'.
There was also staunch protests from supporters who launched a #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign earlier in July.
While some welcomed him, to the airport with cheers as he went to complete his move, others protested on social media.
'Never been so ashamed to support this club. Disgusted to see this guy in our colors, disgusted to see that he is defended or even supported by some. Without me,' wrote one fan on X.
'Bunch of filthy big guys, you disgust,' wrote another, while one fan branded it as the 'most immoral moment' in the club's history.
But Greenwood last month insisted he has put the past behind him and is now looking to the future with his partner Harriet Robson, and their young daughter.
He told La Provence: 'Obviously, I am aware of this debate and I understand the question. I do not wish to enter into any controversy. I already had the opportunity to express myself on this subject last year, it is now behind us.
'With my partner, we rebuilt ourselves together, as a couple, we have just spent a year in Madrid. We have been together since we were 15, 16 years old, today we have a beautiful little girl who has just celebrated her first birthday.
'I am now looking towards the future and I am only focused on Olympique de Marseille and on our new life, together, in Marseille.'