Roberto de Zerbi (foto: Getty Images)
Roberto de Zerbi pledges loyalty to Marseille, saying, “I’m not leaving!” He compares his commitment to staying in Ukraine during Putin’s invasion despite mounting pressure over poor results.
Roberto de Zerbi, the outspoken Italian coach of Marseille, has once again stirred the media with his defiant stance. After previously hinting he might leave the club, De Zerbi has now reversed course, vowing to stay at Marseille no matter what. In a passionate statement, he even compared his commitment to his time in Ukraine, where he remained during Russia’s invasion.
"I’m staying in Marseille. I didn’t leave Ukraine when Putin’s bombs were falling on Kyiv, and I won’t leave now. I believe in my team and the players I have at my disposal. I repeat, I’m not going anywhere. I take full responsibility for the poor results at the Velodrome," De Zerbi declared.
His statement comes as Marseille sit third in Ligue 1, trailing leaders Paris Saint-Germain by 12 points—though with a game in hand. Despite their respectable position, the team’s performances have fallen short of expectations, and pressure is mounting on the Italian tactician.
De Zerbi’s rollercoaster in Marseille
De Zerbi has been a constant headline-maker since taking over at Marseille. Over the summer, he caused a stir with his unflinching defense of his players, including Mason Greenwood, whom he described as “like a son.” Recently, the Italian even threatened to walk away from the club, but his latest remarks suggest he’s determined to stick it out.
While De Zerbi’s loyalty is admirable, questions remain about how long his resolve will last if Marseille’s form doesn’t improve. The team’s significant gap behind PSG highlights the challenges ahead, and the pressure from fans and management could test his commitment.
For now, though, De Zerbi’s message is clear: he’s not backing down, and he’s fully prepared to shoulder the blame for Marseille’s struggles.