Roberto De Zerbi has significantly strained relations at Olympique Marseille earlier this week. The Italian coach refused to lead training any longer because he felt his players were letting him down.
Roberto De Zerbi’s tenure at Olympique Marseille has hit a turbulent patch, with tensions between the Italian coach and his players reaching a boiling point earlier this week.
According to a detailed report by L'Équipe, later corroborated by RMC Sport, De Zerbi implemented an unorthodox and drastic measure following a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Stade Reims last Saturday. This latest setback marked Marseille’s fourth loss in their last five Ligue 1 matches, a streak that has seen their ambitions for Champions League qualification hang in the balance.
The defeat against Reims proved to be a critical moment for the nine-time French champions. Not only did they relinquish second place in the league to AS Monaco, but the team’s overall form has been alarmingly poor, with recurring defensive lapses, lackluster offensive displays, and a growing disconnect between the coach and his squad. The supporters, already growing restless due to inconsistent performances, have begun to question De Zerbi’s methods and tactical decisions, particularly his handling of certain key players.
In response to the loss, De Zerbi made a decisive move that shocked the squad. He canceled the players' scheduled days off and instructed them to report to the training ground immediately. However, upon their arrival, De Zerbi refused to lead the session himself. Instead, he delegated training responsibilities to his assistants while he watched from a distance. The message was clear: De Zerbi felt betrayed by his own players.
According to L'Équipe, the 45-year-old coach made his displeasure known in blunt terms, stating, "You want me to fail? Then we all fail." His frustration seemed to stem not only from the team's poor results but also from a perceived lack of commitment and professionalism from several members of the squad.
Particularly stinging were his criticisms directed at Pol Lirola, the Spanish right-back who had been struggling for form. Reportedly, De Zerbi lambasted Lirola during a heated confrontation, telling him, "No one at the club wanted you last summer; I was the only one who believed in you. And this is how you repay me by defending like that?" The outburst reportedly left the 26-year-old defender visibly shaken, further fueling the tense atmosphere at the club’s training complex.
The Italian manager’s decision to leave training in the hands of his assistants did not sit well with the Marseille squad. Many players felt humiliated and disrespected, interpreting the move as an attempt to publicly shame them for their performances. According to sources within the club, several senior players openly questioned De Zerbi’s methods, leading to a near mutiny.
It took over an hour of intense discussions before technical director Medhi Benatia was able to convince the squad to proceed with the training session. Benatia, himself a former player with extensive experience at the highest level, attempted to calm the situation by emphasizing the need for unity and professionalism. However, his intervention did little to erase the underlying tension between De Zerbi and his players.
Observers at the training ground described the mood as “uneasy” and “hostile.” Players went through the motions under the guidance of De Zerbi’s assistants, while the head coach watched from the sidelines, his expression giving away little but frustration. Reports suggest that De Zerbi made no effort to interact with his players throughout the session, preferring to maintain his distance.
The standoff continued for several days. It wasn’t until Thursday that De Zerbi resumed leading training sessions himself, just days ahead of Marseille’s crucial home fixture against Toulouse. The Italian coach is said to have addressed the team in a brief, stern manner, urging them to “prove their worth” and “fight for the club’s objectives.” However, some insiders have noted that the atmosphere remains far from harmonious, with several players still harboring resentment over De Zerbi’s handling of the situation.
This incident comes at a time when De Zerbi’s management style has already been under scrutiny. In recent weeks, the coach made headlines by benching Mason Greenwood, Marseille’s top scorer this season with fifteen goals. De Zerbi reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the English forward’s work rate and attitude during training, even though Greenwood has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lackluster campaign for the club.
While Greenwood’s exclusion raised eyebrows, it is consistent with De Zerbi’s no-nonsense approach. The Italian is known for his demanding nature and high standards, particularly when it comes to work ethic and tactical discipline. However, critics argue that his confrontational style may be causing more harm than good, alienating key players at a time when the team needs unity above all else.
The upcoming match against Toulouse is now seen as a crucial test for De Zerbi’s authority and leadership. Should Marseille fail to secure a positive result, the pressure on the Italian coach could intensify dramatically. The club’s board has remained silent on the matter so far, but sources indicate that there is growing concern over the deteriorating relationship between De Zerbi and his squad.
To make matters worse, Marseille’s once-promising season now appears to be unraveling. Having been considered one of the main challengers to Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title earlier in the campaign, the team’s recent slump has left them struggling to even secure a top-three finish. With AS Monaco now firmly in second place and other challengers closing in, Marseille’s hopes of returning to the Champions League hang by a thread.
Whether De Zerbi can restore harmony within the dressing room remains to be seen. For now, the Italian coach appears determined to stick to his principles, even if it means clashing with his players. But with Marseille’s Champions League aspirations at stake, the coming weeks could prove decisive for both De Zerbi’s tenure and the club’s future.
