A heavy atmosphere surrounds Olympique Marseille following their recent 3-1 defeat against Auxerre, which has pushed the team further down the Ligue 1 standings. Under the management of Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille now sit nine points behind league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who have amassed 29 points after 11 matches. This disappointing performance has dampened the excitement that initially accompanied De Zerbi’s arrival and the club’s ambitious summer signings, including notable players like Greenwood, Hojbjerg, and Rabiot.
Calciomercato report how In the wake of this setback, De Zerbi expressed his frustration during a tense moment in the locker room. He conveyed to president Pablo Longoria and sporting director Mehdi Benatia that if he is perceived as the problem, he is willing to resign. “I can leave my contract and all the money I am owed,” he stated emphatically. These strong words reflect the pressure mounting on him as he grapples with his first real challenge since taking charge.
The team’s struggles have not only affected De Zerbi’s standing but have also ignited discontent among the passionate Marseille fanbase. The coach has faced criticism for some of his tactical decisions, such as opting to bench experienced defender Mbemba in favor of less convincing players like Brassier and even adapting midfielder Kondogbia to fill defensive roles.
Following the loss to Auxerre, De Zerbi reportedly confronted his players with intense remarks, saying, “You have humiliated me in front of our fans. You didn’t have the guts.” This outburst underscores the growing tension between him and his squad as they navigate this challenging phase.
Adding to the turmoil, a recent revelation highlighted an unusual tactic employed by De Zerbi to motivate his players. In a pre-match talk before their season opener against Brest, he projected details of a lucrative offer from Manchester United on a wall, stating, “This is what I turned down; this is why I didn’t go there. For me, passion comes before money, and I came here to Marseille filled with passion.” This dramatic gesture was intended to inspire his team but has instead raised eyebrows regarding his leadership approach.
As Marseille prepare for a challenging schedule ahead—including an away match against Lens and a home game against Monaco—there is a palpable sense that these upcoming fixtures could be pivotal for both De Zerbi’s future and the team’s aspirations this season.
