Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton coach now managing French club Marseille, has delivered a stern warning about his future with the team. Following Marseille’s recent 3-1 loss to Auxerre, Roberto De Zerbi expressed deep dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, even suggesting that he might quit if he feels he is the problem. The recent defeat marks Marseille’s second in three matches, adding to their home struggles this season, including previous dropped points against Reims and Angers at the Orange Velodrome.
Despite Mason Greenwood’s penalty goal, three first-half strikes from Auxerre sealed Marseille’s fate, intensifying the pressure on De Zerbi and his team. Although Marseille remains second in the Ligue 1 standings, they are now six points behind league leaders PSG, who have a game in hand. This growing gap is raising questions about Marseille’s title ambitions, especially considering the high expectations surrounding De Zerbi’s appointment.
Roberto De Zerbi’s Honest Reflection on Marseille’s Home Woes
After the disappointing loss, Roberto De Zerbi was candid in his assessment, acknowledging his own potential role in Marseille’s struggles. The Italian manager hinted that he could step down if he believes he is part of the problem, emphasizing his willingness to leave without financial compensation if it helps the team. “I have to take responsibility for this home defeat,” Roberto De Zerbi told reporters. “We have difficulties at home; that’s clear. If I’m the issue, I’m ready to leave. Money is nothing to me—it’s the gratification of the work that is important.”
Roberto De Zerbi’s statements suggest a deeper issue with Marseille’s lack of consistency, particularly at home, where he had anticipated a stronger atmosphere and advantage. He criticized the team’s courage and personality, voicing concerns that he may not be able to deliver the transformative experience he hoped for. His comments have fueled speculation about his potential departure, putting added pressure on the players and the club’s management to address the team’s recent underperformance.
Mason Greenwood: A Key Player Under Scrutiny
Mason Greenwood, who has been a standout player for Marseille this season with eight goals in 11 games, faced criticism from Roberto De Zerbi after a lackluster performance against PSG. Greenwood was substituted at halftime during that match, and De Zerbi did not hold back in expressing his disappointment. “I didn’t like the way he played,” De Zerbi said, explaining the early withdrawal. He emphasized the importance of consistency, stating, “If we want to compete for the title, we have to push in every match.”
Although Greenwood has been crucial in Marseille’s offensive lineup, De Zerbi made it clear that occasional standout performances are not enough for a team aiming for the championship. The manager expects Greenwood, along with the rest of the squad, to maintain a high level of performance every game. This public critique highlights De Zerbi’s demand for reliability and consistency, especially from star players like Greenwood, as Marseille strives to keep pace with PSG in the league.
Title Hopes in Jeopardy as Marseille Risks Falling Behind
Marseille’s title hopes are increasingly at risk as they now face the possibility of dropping to fourth place depending on weekend results. If their performance continues to falter, the gap between them and PSG could widen further, with the reigning champions already holding a comfortable lead. This situation has dealt a blow to Marseille’s ambitions, especially after an eighth-place finish last season and the high hopes that accompanied De Zerbi’s arrival.
De Zerbi’s frustrations are further compounded by the team’s inconsistency, which he feels undermines their ability to secure a top position in Ligue 1. While he continues to stress his dedication to the project, his remarks about potentially stepping aside reflect a growing concern about Marseille’s future. The club’s management and players are likely to face intensified scrutiny in the coming weeks as they seek to improve their form and regain momentum in the French league.
