Roberto De Zerbi has left Marseille by mutual agreement following a 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday. The nine-time French champions confirmed the end of their collaboration on Wednesday, citing a collective decision taken after thorough consideration.
The heavy defeat at the Parc des Princes restored PSG’s two-point lead over Lens after 21 rounds, leaving Marseille in fourth place. De Zerbi’s side had also suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss at Club Brugge two weeks earlier, which saw them exit the Champions League.
De Zerbi, who joined Marseille in 2024 after two seasons at Brighton, apologised to fans after the defeat against their bitter rivals. Although he led the club to second place last season, his recent tactical choices had puzzled many observers.
“Following consultations involving all stakeholders in the club’s leadership – the owner, president, director of football and head coach – it was decided to opt for a change at the head of the first team,” Marseille said in a statement. “This was a collective and difficult decision, taken after thorough consideration, in the best interests of the club.”
The club did not immediately name a replacement, with a league match against Strasbourg scheduled for Saturday. Since American owner Frank McCourt bought Marseille in 2016, the former powerhouse has struggled with instability, enduring a succession of coaches and periodic crises. Marseille last won the league in 2010 and remain the only French team to have won the Champions League before PSG did so last year.
