According to our information, Roberto De Zerbi has given his agreement to become the new coach of Olympique de Marseille. A very nice move led by Pablo Longoria and Mehdi Benatia
The signing of Roberto De Zerbi, for 3 years, at OM has not yet been confirmed but the representatives of the Italian technician and the Marseille club’s lawyers are in the process of finalizing the documents and the contract of the former Brighton coach .
>> Transfer window information LIVE
Pablo Longoria always had a weakness for De Zerbi but he considered him an untouchable coach for OM, an impossible love, especially given the Italian’s salary conditions and his good reputation in England.
According to our information, Pablo Longoria had still whispered in his ear that he would be delighted to have him on the OM bench, when he made the decision to leave Brighton. Without much hope, just out of good conscience, so as not to regret anything.
The call from the foot of the Italian coach
Time is up. De Zerbi has not reached an agreement with any English club, and it was in fact the coach who took the first step, via his entourage, letting the idea filter out at the start of the week… that he would be delighted to to train OM and that he was ready to make a real salary effort to make the operation feasible.
De Zerbi is a fashionable technician, but above all he is an enthusiast. And the man showed real enthusiasm at the idea of coaching in a context as hot as Marseille: the atmosphere of the Vélodrome, the passion for the South, the history of the club… OM attracted. The prospect of working for three years motivates him.
The major role of Medhi Benatia
Marseille was, however, in real contact with Sergio Conceiçao. Last Sunday, discussions with the Portuguese coach or his representatives, for example, lasted more than five hours. Conceiçao was sometimes too hesitant, De Zerbi said yes much more quickly.
In these discreet negotiations, sports advisor Medhi Benatia played a major role. The former Juve defender, who is well respected in Italy, has a good relationship with De Zerbi and this has helped smooth relations. The discussions continue, but OM are proud of their achievement and convinced of having finally found their ideal coach.
