Roberto De Zerbi (foto: Getty Images)
Roberto De Zerbi made headlines when he turned down a lucrative offer from Manchester United to take on the challenge of managing Olympique de Marseille.
The Italian coach’s decision to prioritize passion over financial gain has so far been a rollercoaster ride in the cauldron of Marseille’s passionate football culture.
A bold start in turbulent waters
Marseille, known for its fiery Mediterranean temperament, boasts one of the most intense fan bases in Europe. Success can elevate the club to great heights, but failure is met with equally fervent criticism. Recent years have been marked by instability, with five managers coming and going in just two years. Some, like Spaniard Marcelino, departed after just seven days, citing threats and insults, while others, like Croatian Igor Tudor, left voluntarily, overwhelmed by the unrelenting pressure.
Despite these challenges, De Zerbi, a coach renowned for his attacking philosophy and unconventional approach, saw Marseille as an irresistible challenge. In his first address to the players, he held up Manchester United’s offer and said, "I could be there, but I chose passion over money. I came to Marseille for the love of football."
Early success, followed by a slump
The season began promisingly. Marseille went unbeaten in their first five matches, winning four and drawing one. However, a loss to Strasbourg in late September signaled the start of a crisis. In the following six matches, Marseille managed just two wins, suffered three defeats, and struggled at their iconic home ground, the Velodrome, winning just one of five games there.
The most painful defeat came at the hands of PSG, who crushed Marseille 3-0 in front of 67,394 fans. All three goals were scored in the first half, leaving the Velodrome stunned. The frustration only deepened with a home loss to Auxerre, where the visitors capitalized on counterattacks while Marseille lacked creativity and solutions.
Even the usually supportive Marseille crowd showed their dissatisfaction, with loud whistles and many fans leaving the stadium at halftime. Although Mason Greenwood scored in the second half to narrow the deficit, De Zerbi’s post-match reaction was scathing. In the dressing room, he reportedly accused his players of lacking courage, singling out captain Leonardo Balerdi as the worst offender.
Public confrontation and threats to leave
At the post-match press conference, De Zerbi didn’t hold back. "I came here to experience the Velodrome. If I’m the problem, I’m ready to leave immediately," he told journalists. He reiterated that his commitment wasn’t about money, stating he had informed club president Pablo Longoria and sporting director Mehdi Benatia of his willingness to walk away without financial compensation.
Still early days for a long-term project
Despite the drama, Marseille remains in a respectable position, sitting third in Ligue 1, nine points behind PSG and three behind Monaco. Club officials continue to emphasize that this is the start of a three-year project, with De Zerbi contracted until June 2027. The goal is to rebuild the squad and eventually compete at PSG’s level, but patience is required.
As tensions simmer, the hope is that De Zerbi can weather the storm and continue to instill his philosophy at Marseille. The Velodrome, for all its intensity, remains a stage where passion and perseverance can yield spectacular results.