Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille Revolution: The Italian's High-Octane Project
Roberto De Zerbi is causing quite the stir in southern France. The former Brighton manager, who many expected to land a top Premier League role after his impressive work with the Seagulls, surprised football observers when he crossed the Channel in June 2024. In just eighteen intense months, he has constructed what many consider one of European football's most captivating projects.
The Band of Misfits Reborn
At the core of De Zerbi's Marseille side lies a collection of players who have been revitalised by the passionate Italian tactician. These individuals, previously written off as past their prime, not up to standard, or even public relations liabilities, have been forged into a cohesive unit. De Zerbi has cultivated a remarkable team spirit that has energised Les Phoceens and turned them into a formidable threat for any visiting team.
Mason Greenwood: The Complicated Star
The undoubted standout performer is Mason Greenwood. His transfer to the Velodrome initially sparked significant protests and international media attention due to serious allegations made against him, which were subsequently dropped. The former Manchester United forward has rediscovered his prolific scoring touch in Ligue 1, netting an impressive 42 goals in 62 appearances for the French club.
However, his relationship with manager De Zerbi remains famously complex. The Italian has oscillated between publicly praising Greenwood as a 'world-class talent' and openly criticising his work ethic following disappointing results. To external observers, this appears to be a deliberate love-hate dynamic where De Zerbi is determined to keep his star attacker motivated and prevent complacency.
Career Revivals and Tactical Translation
Beyond managing Greenwood's talent, De Zerbi has also orchestrated a career renaissance for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese striker, whose spell at Chelsea was largely forgettable, returned to France from Saudi Arabia and has been a shrewd acquisition. With 11 goal contributions in 16 games this season, the 36-year-old former Arsenal hero demonstrates there is plenty left in the tank. His vast experience will be crucial against opponents like Liverpool, who have shown vulnerability under pressure this campaign.
De Zerbi has successfully imported his tactical philosophy from English to French football. His high-risk, possession-based style, which some have labelled 'suicidal', involves inviting pressure before exploiting spaces behind opposition lines. This approach has proven effective at the Velodrome.
The Demanding Environment
Reports from The Athletic describe the atmosphere at Marseille's training ground as 'electric but exhausting' under De Zerbi's leadership. Double training sessions are the norm, and even minor positional mistakes can trigger explosive reactions from the coach. While this combustible management style carries risks of alienating players, De Zerbi appears to have secured the trust and full commitment from the majority of his squad.
Not All Success Stories
Nevertheless, not every player has thrived under the Italian's uncompromising methods. Angel Gomes, once a promising talent from the Manchester United academy, was on an upward trajectory just twelve months ago. He was excelling at Lille, earned an England senior call-up, and was in contention for a World Cup place.
Since joining Marseille on a free transfer last summer, his fortunes have dramatically declined. French publication L'Equipe suggests Gomes's relationship with De Zerbi has deteriorated so significantly that the club is actively seeking to sell him this month. The creative midfielder finds himself behind Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, the former Tottenham star who has become De Zerbi's vice-captain and an indispensable figure, and Brighton loanee Matt O'Reilly.
Elsewhere, former West Ham and Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri has secured the starting left-back role, while Neal Maupay has barely featured, playing just one minute of league football this season.
The Velodrome Fortress
The challenges for visiting teams like Liverpool are multifaceted. Beyond the tactical threats on the pitch, they must also contend with one of football's most ferocious atmospheres at the Velodrome. Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, now at Monaco, described the experience to beIN Sports: 'The atmosphere there was really something I haven't experienced before... It was absolutely crazy. It was just like going into a zombie apocalypse.'
He added, 'I've played in hostile grounds in England, but for sure Marseille away for me was a very crazy game.' With a formidable home record of eight wins, two draws, and only two defeats this season, any team hoping to leave Marseille unscathed will need to be at their absolute best to overcome De Zerbi's reborn band of misfits.
