Roberto De Zerbi has revealed how the recent storm of media reports surrounding internal unrest at Marseille has taken a personal toll.
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Marseille going through a rough patchDe Zerbi refused to conduct training The manager has opened up on the entire fiascoFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! đ˘đąWHAT HAPPENED?
The reports, originating from French outlet , claimed that De Zerbiâs strict and uncompromising methods have caused friction within the Marseille dressing room. As the team endures a difficult run in Ligue 1 â losing four of their last five matches – concerns have surfaced that the squad is beginning to lose faith in his approach.
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Tensions reportedly reached a boiling point after Marseilleâs 3-1 defeat to Reims. According to insider accounts, De Zerbi expressed his frustration by refusing to lead the following training session, allegedly stating, âI wonât train you today.â In response, the players are said to have defiantly replied: âThen we wonât train either.â
The situation painted a picture of growing discontent within the team, with De Zerbiâs authoritative leadership style seemingly clashing with the expectations of some players. These whispers of a mutiny have cast a shadow over the club's immediate future and prompted questions about whether the squad remains united behind the manager.
WHAT DE ZERBI SAID
Facing mounting pressure, De Zerbi pushed back strongly against the narrative in a public statement, making it clear that he refuses to accept being portrayed as a villain.
âIâve had a very difficult week, like everyone else," he told reporters. "Iâm going to speak clearly about everything that has been said and written. I want to get the best out of my players and weâve done some good things this year.
âI always make my decisions for the club. The things that happened this week are normal things that happen everywhere else. Pablo and Mehdi supported me, the players, many of them, even those who donât like to talk. They all came to talk to me, to tell me they were with me. Since Tuesdayâs training, I have been observing, the coach canât talk every day. But I do not accept that we do things below our maximum limit. With my extreme methods, I try to lead OM to our final objective. Some people make me out to be a criminal, itâs not fair, I am a good person."
DID YOU KNOW?
De Zerbi revealed that his mother had called him in distress after reading the headlines.
"My mum called me this morning and asked me: what did you do? Making out that I was a criminal and a delinquent when Iâm not," he said.
De Zerbi confirmed he remains aligned with Mehdi Benatia, dismissing suggestions that the sporting director had to mediate a divided locker room.
"At the club, they tell me Iâm too nice," he added. "Mehdi Benatia, Iâm united with him. I read that he had a mediating role? It annoyed me, I donât have any players against me, itâs not true. I donât want to be liked by everyone."
