Unhappy with Ismaël Koné's performances since his arrival at OM, Roberto De Zerbi is trying to shake up his player to push him to do better. Even if it means going far.
On July 3, 2024, Olympique de Marseille officially opened its summer transfer window by announcing the arrival of the great Canadian hope, Ismaël Koné. Recruited from Watford for 12 million euros, the 22-year-old midfielder quickly won over his teammates and supporters after a friendly match against Sunderland. But an ankle injury that occurred a week before the start of Ligue 1 slowed his progress. Returning a month later, he has not yet managed to make his mark in Roberto De Zerbi's formation and has fallen behind Bilal Nadir in the midfield hierarchy. Quite a slap in the face for such a recruit. The Italian technician, unhappy with Ismaël Koné's performances, did not hesitate to poke him in public to push him to show better involvement in the Marseille group.
“At this level, potential is useless”
« Ismaël Koné must have a mental trigger to go further, otherwise at this level the potential is useless. He is one of those players who is completely different on Sunday, in a match, compared to what they do in training », Explains Roberto De Zerbi, incisive towards his player. According to La Provence, the OM coach is particularly upset about his investment at the club. Apart from a good hour of play against Nantes, he has had one series of disappointments. His nonchalance also earned him remarks at the training center. Disoriented by his position higher up on the pitch, Ismaël Koné cannot do it. Accustomed to playing in front of the defense, with time in front of him to make decisions, he must today learn to compose in small spaces, much closer to the opponent's goal.
Roberto De Zerbi, aware of his potential which he considers to be one of the highest in Ligue 1, wants to push him to his limits and force him to do much better. The message has in any case been sent to explain Koné's decline in the hierarchy. It remains to be seen how the Canadian responds on the ground.
