Mercato: OM signs an XXL profile, “I didn’t believe it”

OM struck a major blow last summer with the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as coach when the latter was very popular on the market, and in particular by Manchester United. Medhi Benatia, the OM sports advisor, takes a behind-the-scenes look at this prestigious arrival for the club.

After exploring different options like Paulo Fonseca, Sergio Conceicao or even Christophe Galtierl’ABOUT finally managed to convince Roberto DeZerbi to come and take the coaching position last summer. A masterstroke from the Marseille leaders, since the former coach of Brighton had a very good rating on the trainer market (Manchester United, Bayern Munich…). Et Medhi Benatiathe OM sports advisor, recounted this signing of By Zerbi on the waves of RMC Sport mardi.

“There was Manchester United on him”

« I already had contact with Roberto. We were in regular discussions. He has always been a coach that I adore. There was Manchester on him, I knew it. He liked the way we approached him with Pablo, the respect we showed him. We showed him how important it was that we leave with him. We jumped at the chance, even though at first, I didn't really believe in it. I had returned to Dubai with the family. I told him: 'I have a plane at 11:30 p.m., tomorrow I'm in Milan I can see you'. He said to me: 'Medhi, just what you're offering me is huge.' He already knew Pablo, that helped easily », assures the director of theABOUTwho therefore did not have much difficulty in convincing By Zerbi to sign.

“The guy was listening”

« As soon as we talked to him about Marseille, the guy listened. He needed this passion. Last year, we played against him. He knew the stadium. The objective is to give this team 40% of the coach's character, of his personality. If we have that, we will perhaps not go to titillate Paris, but we will be with the objective, which is to enter the Champions League », continues Benatia.