Two days after a great victory in Rennes, OM must already negotiate a big meeting with their round of 16 Coupe de France match against Lille. An important poster in the eyes of Roberto De Zerbi who sets the competition as a real objective. “Before talking about the title, we must already talk about tomorrow’s match which we must win. Because the final of the Coupe de France is still very far away. We're going to have to play a big match but obviously we want to win tomorrow, just like we want to win on Sunday against Strasbourg. The most important thing was whether we were playing at home or not. If you want to win this cup you have to eliminate big teams and Lille is one of them. Now or in the next round, either way, you have to win if you want to go all the way. »
De Zerbi will not give Sternal any gifts
Besides the competition subject, the other important theme of the moment is the winter Mercato. A Mercato marked by the announcement of a surprise departure since Enzo Sternal, described as a real nugget of OM, could leave for Anderlecht, due to not having obtained sufficient playing time. But Roberto De Zerbi has no regrets, setting things straight in a very direct manner. “Luis Henrique and Jonathan Rowe are more ready than a player like Enzo Sternal. There is competition, players better than him at the moment. If Rabiot deserves to be on the bench because a youngster is better than him then I will put him on the bench, but places are earned. The pitch gives me answers, he played at the start of the championship because he deserved it, like some young people this season. I'm not looking to give a gift, if he doesn't play it's because I think he doesn't deserve it. Young people must have patience and wait their turn, progress. I am one of the coaches in Europe who gets young people playing more. If a young person has to play, he will play, but the objective is the results. It’s clear to them, their entourage, their agents…”
A big update followed by a much more positive one on the Amir Murillo case. The versatile defender, whose departure has been regularly mentioned in recent weeks, will probably not leave after reading the laudatory words of his coach. “Amir Murillo brings me a lot of satisfaction. He plays a role in many goals scored recently. He's an underrated player. But not by me or the club. I hope he stays here for a long time because he is a true professional,” De Zerbi explained to the press.
Featured Podcasts
MEN LIFE
To summarize
While the names of Sternal or Murillo are mentioned around the OM transfer window, Roberto De Zerbi has clarified things. Concerning the young Marseille talent but also the defender, the Italian coach is very clear.
France
Soccer
