Since the start of the season and even during preparation, Geoffrey Kondogbia has been a fixture in Roberto De Zerbi's starting lineup. The Italian coach has absolute confidence in him and loves his versatility. But initially, this was not the case and De Zerbi even campaigned for his transfer. Explanations.
Since the start of the season, Geoffrey Kondogbia is simply omnipresent. With the exception of the Marseille victory at Montpellier on October 20 (5-0), the 31-year-old Central African international has always enjoyed a starting place in the starting eleven of Roberto DeZerbiwhether to occupy a defensive midfielder position, his favorite position, or in central defense to help out.
Roberto De Zerbi wanted OM to part ways with Geoffrey Kondogbia
However, the story could have taken a completely different turn if Roberto DeZerbi had stuck to its initial positions. Following his induction as OM coach at the end of last June, the Italian technician felt that due to his first mixed exercise atMarseille Olympicthe future of Geoffrey Kondogbia was written elsewhere. Provence states that By Zerbi had communicated his point of view to the leaders of the Marseille club. A salary reduction would then have been agreed between the parties concerned. A turning point in the spirit of Roberto DeZerbi.
Bluffed by Kondogbia, De Zerbi changed his mind
Certainly, the reduction in emoluments of Geoffrey Kondogbia was accepted by the midfielder of theIF, wishing to make a move after his sluggish first season. However, it never materialized. But that was all it took to Roberto DeZerbi which, according to Provencewould have appreciated the state of mind and the personality of the ex-player of theAtletico Madrid. So much so that he quickly relied on his services and admitted his error of judgment at a press conference in recent weeks. “At first, I didn’t count on him. When I saw his quality, his desire to bounce back after a negative season, I was very happy.”
