In an exclusive interview granted to RMC, Mehdi Benatia, sports advisor of Olympique de Marseille, defended Roberto De Zerbi, the Italian coach of OM, at the heart of criticism concerning the team's current performances . The former OM defender expressed his full confidence in his coach, emphasizing that De Zerbi perfectly embodies Marseille values and has the qualities necessary to turn things around at the Vélodrome.
Mehdi Benatia first insisted on the fact that, even before the arrival of Roberto DeZerbi at OM, the Marseille management knew the character of the Italian coach well. “Before going with a coach like De Zerbi, we knew very well the character he is”said Benatia. For him, De Zerbi embodies the love of football and the passion which are at the heart of the identity of the city of Marseille. He added: “He is love, he is football, he is passion. » According to the sports advisor, these values make De Zerbi an ideal coach for OM, a club where fervor and commitment are essential.
De Zerbi: a coach with a strong but sincere personality
Benatia did not fail to underline the sincerity of Roberto De Zerbi, in particular by evoking the latter's state of mind in the face of the difficulties encountered by the team. “The coach suffers because he does not recognize his team”he clarified. He also spoke of the coach's attitude towards criticism and the problems encountered by OM: “When he sees the team like that, he tells me: 'Medhi, if I'm the problem, don't hesitate, I don't need the money.' » A strong message which demonstrates that De Zerbi is ready to take responsibility, without ever shying away from difficulties.
Total confidence of OM management in Roberto De Zerbi
Benatia also recalled that the management of OM, convinced of the qualities of Roberto DeZerbidid not intend to part with him. “The management will not let go”said the sports advisor. He explained that the Italian was not the type to shy away from difficulties. According to Benatia, De Zerbi “lives for football” and has never shown the slightest intention of leaving his post.
Benatia also insisted on the mutual trust that exists between Roberto De Zerbi and his players. According to him, the coach has earned the respect of the players, who react positively to his methods. Despite mixed results, especially at the Vélodrome, Benatia remains convinced that De Zerbi is the man for the job and that the current situation is only a passing phase.
Conclusion: De Zerbi, the man for the job at OM
In conclusion, Mehdi Benatia wanted to reassure Marseille supporters by affirming that Roberto De Zerbi is more than ever the coach of OM. His human qualities and his love of football make him the ideal man to lead the club towards future success. If the Italian coach experiences moments of doubt, Benatia reiterated that there is no “not even a discussion” to have about his future at OM: De Zerbi is here to last and raise the bar.
In summary, Roberto De Zerbi represents a strategic choice for Olympique de Marseille, and the club's management, as well as its players, have total confidence in him, convinced that he will be able to restore OM to the level it deserves. .
