Roberto De Zerbi Set to Depart Marseille Amidst Club Crisis and Man United Links
Roberto De Zerbi is on the verge of leaving his position as Marseille manager this week, according to widespread reports emerging from France. The Italian coach, who has been heavily linked with the vacant managerial role at Manchester United, has faced mounting pressure following a series of disappointing results that have plunged the club into crisis.
Champions League Exit and Heavy Defeat Trigger Decision
De Zerbi's impending departure comes in the wake of Marseille's shocking elimination from the Champions League at the group stage, compounded by a devastating 5-0 defeat to rivals Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 on Sunday. This loss has left Marseille trailing by three points in the race for automatic Champions League qualification, further exacerbating the tense atmosphere at the club.
According to detailed reports from RMC Sport, the 46-year-old manager conducted training sessions on Tuesday and held crucial discussions with both players and club executives before concluding that he could no longer continue in his role. His exit is now considered imminent, with an interim manager expected to take charge for Marseille's upcoming fixture against Strasbourg this Saturday.
Frustration with Player Attitude and Inconsistent Performances
De Zerbi has reportedly expressed significant frustration with the attitude of his players following the 3-0 loss to Club Brugge and the subsequent heavy defeat to PSG. This dissatisfaction has been a key factor in his decision to step down, highlighting deeper issues within the squad beyond mere results.
When questioned about his potential resignation earlier, De Zerbi reflected on his tenure, stating, 'I really wanted to come to Marseille. That's the truth. There's also the element of responsibility. I was taught to take responsibility. I'm telling you, the club, we played a bad match, that's all.' He added, 'I don't know if I'm the ideal coach for OM. From a results standpoint, we've done some good things. But there's this lack of consistency.'
Background and Manchester United Connections
De Zerbi was appointed as Marseille boss in June 2024 after a successful two-year spell in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion. His first season in charge saw Marseille secure a second-place finish in Ligue 1, earning a return to the Champions League, but the current campaign has been marked by disappointment and turmoil.
Reports had previously suggested that De Zerbi might be dismissed after sporting director Medhi Benatia warned of 'consequences' following the loss to Club Brugge. Despite initially continuing in his role, the pressure has proven unsustainable in recent weeks.
Notably, De Zerbi has admirers at Manchester United, with the club seeking a new head coach for the upcoming summer. He was interviewed by Ineos in May 2024 and was considered a leading candidate to replace Erik ten Hag before Ruben Amorim's appointment. De Zerbi is believed to be keen on a return to the Premier League, where he earned widespread praise during his time at Brighton.
Internal Conflicts and Mason Greenwood Controversy
The final weeks of De Zerbi's tenure have been overshadowed by internal conflicts, particularly involving sporting director Medhi Benatia and key player Mason Greenwood. According to L'Equipe, Benatia and Greenwood openly ignore each other, with the sporting director frequently criticizing the 24-year-old winger both on and off the pitch.
Benatia is said to have been angered by Greenwood's failure to fulfill a commercial obligation last summer, showing little concern for the repercussions. In contrast, De Zerbi has publicly defended Greenwood, delivering a gushing speech in which he claimed the player has become 'world-class' by building on 'what his mother and father taught him.'
Greenwood, who left Manchester United under controversial circumstances in the summer of 2024 after charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault were dropped in February 2023, has revived his career at Marseille under De Zerbi's guidance. He was sold to Marseille for £26.7 million and has become an integral part of the first team, despite the ongoing tensions with club management.
As Marseille prepare for a managerial change, the club faces significant challenges in stabilizing both on-field performances and internal dynamics, with De Zerbi's departure marking a pivotal moment in their season.
