It was with a gray sky and the look of bad days that the city of Marseille woke up this Saturday morning. At the opening of the 11th day of Ligue 1, Olympique de Marseille were humiliated by promoted AJ Auxerre at the Vélodrome stadium (1-3). A scathing defeat which is part of a series of setbacks at home which worries supporters and observers. Indeed, plagued by doubt at home, the Marseillais have only one victory, two draws and two defeats in five home games this season and last night's match against Christophe Pélissier's troops had a very bitter taste. OM were thus led by three goals at the Stade Vélodrome in the championship, by being promoted at half-time for the first time in their history. Note that the Phocéens have won 36% of their home matches in Ligue 1 in 2024 (5/14). They have only done worse once in a calendar year in the top flight in the last 45 years.
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This new defeat at the Vélodrome will undoubtedly leave consequences in the coming weeks. Against AJ Auxerre, the Phocéens were surprised in the first period. With defensive errors and damaging tactical errors, Marseille returned to the locker room with a three-goal deficit that Roberto De Zerbi's troops were never able to make up for: “I have to take responsibility for this defeat at home. We're having difficulties at home, that's clear. I don't know if it's a lack of courage or personality. I came here to play at the Vélodrome because I wanted to live the experience. If the problem is me, I'm ready to leave. I'm leaving without the money, the rest I don't care. I don't want to make excuses and talk nonsense. I'm not going to escape, we have to face reality. This is what I have to do“, he calmly explained at a press conference after the slap he suffered at home. Words which quickly made headlines in France and Italy. But with a clear head, the exit, certainly surprising, of the Italian coach is nothing unique or rare in his young coaching career.
His future already mentioned at Sassuolo
First successful experience, Roberto De Zerbi managed to transform Sassuolo in the space of a few months. But in April 2021, while the Neroverdi were fighting for a place in the Europa League and following a series of 3 defeats in 5 games (for only one victory), the Italian coach was annoyed when the question of his future was raised. put on the table: “To start together again next year, a lot of things have to fit together. For me to leave the club of my own accord, something has to happen. The day I leave, I will surely have more regret for what was not done than happiness for the objectives achieved during these three years, objectives on the transfer market and in the football produced. We must understand together if it is right to move forward with a club for which I am grateful“, he then said at a press conference. This declaration also took place in a context of multitudes of rumors since De Zerbi's contract ended in June 2021. This is therefore not the first time that the native of Brescia has spoken of a departure in the event of poor results. .
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Having a growing popularity in Italy, De Zerbi even took the risk of putting pressure by mentioning interest from foreign clubs at the end of the season, while Shakhtar Donetsk ended up signing him a few months later: “It's not about the sirens of other teams, it's a matter between me and Sassuolo. There is a lot to discuss about the future: I don't deny that I would like to coach abroad. As a player, I had experiences like this that made me grow and I would like to be able to have them at the end of my coaching career. It bothers me to talk about the position, to say who could succeed me here: Sassuolo has always had clear ideas, they know what to do in the event of departure. They don't need my advice», even continued De Zerbi during this same press briefing. A media outing which surprised journalists and Sassuolo supporters but which ultimately brought his group together. His players then had 5 victories in 6 matches. A method which can be criticized but which has already worked for Roberto De Zerbi and his staff.
No tongue-in-cheek in Brighton
More recently, during his epic at Brighton, the Seagulls also experienced stormy media outings from De Zerbi. The latter had also announced his upcoming departure in the middle of a press conference after a match against Manchester United: “We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that best suits each of us, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and values human. I have really enjoyed an intense and challenging two years in the Premier League, including taking part in four major competitions this season. Leaving now gives me time to take a break before deciding on my future plans“, explained the Italian coach in a calm manner. We also remember an electric press briefing following a clash with his compatriot Cristian Stellini, then coach of Tottenham. Passionate but always honest, Roberto De Zerbi is not a fan of hypocritical communication.
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Moreover, the leaders of Brighton have always highlighted De Zerbi's human qualities internally. He is a coach who is 200% involved in his project and who, in this sense, demands the same involvement from his players and managers. If he doesn't feel understood, the native of Brescia will never hesitate to say it, always calmly, always with frankness. And this is the case in Marseille, Roberto De Zerbi assumes and will assume each time without ever hiding: “If this coffee machine didn't work properly, I really wouldn't be surprised to see it on the lawn. We learned that what he says on the outside is somewhat misunderstood. He speaks with his heart on his sleeve. In private, Roberto is a calm, serene, reasonable and sensible man. He understands our limitations. Behind the scenes, he knows the model very well», Described the general manager of Brighton, Paul Barber. OM are going through a media whirlwind, but Roberto De Zerbi has always gotten out of this kind of situation by making his group even stronger.
Pub. the 09/11/2024 15:30
– UPDATE 09/11/2024 15:27
