De Zerbi's mark is increasingly marking Olympique de Marseille. This Sunday's meeting against Le Havre clearly showed that his ideas were infusing more and more into the attractive Marseille squad. Faced with a team in difficulty in the championship, the Olympians once again brought all their offensive power to bear, even against a grouped block like that proposed by Didier Digard's men. This is also the third time this season that Roberto de Zerbi's men have inflicted a manita on their opponents, the first time at the Vélodrome, after trips to Brest (J1), Montpellier (J8). Does this mean that the Marseille demons have disappeared?
Not necessarily if we are to believe the analysis of the Marseille coach post-match, on the microphone of DAZN. “I think we had a great match, but I am disappointed by the goal we conceded. We made five changes and forgot one of their players on their goal. We need to progress in mentality.”judged the Italian coach harshly. This is the price of the demands and what RDZ expects from its players. He would have preferred that André Ayew not score at the end of the match. Not for the nice ovation that the former Marseillais received, but because a clean sheet would have done OM good. “It’s not the same to win 5-0 or to win 5-1”he clarified.
However, the Marseillais match is one of the most successful of the season. A very fit attack line, Bilal Nadir who took advantage of the opportunity of his first start, Elye Wahi who scored a goal. Neal Maupay was disappointed with his performance in the post-match. “I could have done better”he simply admitted. The locals very quickly folded the match with a 3-0 at half-time, also well led by Valentin Rongier who confirmed all the hopes that his club placed in him.
This week, Roberto de Zerbi declared the former Nantes player “untransferable”, responding to rumors of supposed interest from Stade Rennais. The environment has been a real hub, just like Adrien Rabiot who has definitely done a lot of good for OM since his arrival. As for Roberto de Zerbi, we are still not fully satisfied with what he saw this evening. “I would like to achieve perfection, but it is impossible”simply recognized the 45-year-old Italian.
This match was also an opportunity to play against low blocks, a component which has posed a problem for OM so far. “We are also improving against low blocks. We have to learn to understand these matches, they are not harder but different. Against Monaco or Lille, these are vertical matches, with large spaces. In matches like today Today, you need more patience, move the ball around, don't force passes… You need patience and quality.”detailed the Marseille technician on this aspect of the game.
I would like to achieve perfection, but it's impossible
With this success and these five goals scored, the Marseillais have greatly increased their goal capital which only amounted to 9 goals in 7 matches so far. The Marseillais are starting 2025 off on the right foot and finally offering a festival to their public, who hope that this good form lasts. Not all the teams coming to the Vélodrome will be as permissive as Le Havre was this Sunday evening. In the meantime, the trip to Rennes and the reception of Lille in the Coupe de France will provide the first lessons on this good form of De Zerbi's tires. This will give indications of the ambition that the Marseillais may have for the rest of their season, while they are seven points behind Paris Saint-Germain, the leader.
L1 is already played, who is to blame?
Video credit: Eurosport
