Under-fire Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi has declared his unwavering commitment to the club amidst a tumultuous period, stating he is "ready to go to war" to address the team's challenges. This declaration comes after a disappointing week that saw Marseille crash out of the Champions League and suffer a late collapse in a 2-2 draw against Paris FC in Ligue 1.
Marseille's Champions League exit was particularly painful, as they lost 3-0 to Club Brugge on Wednesday. Their fate was sealed by a last-gasp header from Benfica's goalkeeper in their match against Real Madrid. The team then threw away a two-goal lead against Paris FC. Mason Greenwood's penalty and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's goal appeared to have secured a win, but Paris FC fought back with goals from Jonathan Ikone and Ilan Kebbal.
De Zerbi dismissed rumors that he was considering resigning after the defeat to Club Brugge. He revealed that he had discussions with club officials to determine the best path forward following their Champions League elimination. Addressing reporters after the draw with Paris FC, De Zerbi emphasized his resolve. "Don't worry about me," he stated. "I'm ready to go to war tomorrow, the day after tomorrow. I come from the very bottom, I come from nothing, I'm used to fighting all the time". He added, "We need to understand that what we've done at present is not good enough".
De Zerbi acknowledged the difficulty in accepting the dropped points against Paris FC. He lamented his team's late lapse in concentration, saying, "We dominated so much... but in the last 10 minutes, everything switched off,". He stressed the need for greater hunger and determination, telling his players that "What we're putting in isn't enough". He said, "I'm struggling to explain it, other than to say matches last 100 minutes. And you have to be hungry".
The pressure on De Zerbi had been mounting even before the Paris FC match. Some reports suggested that Marseille was considering dismissing him after failing to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages. Prior to the Paris FC game, De Zerbi alluded to the challenges of frequent squad changes, hinting at disagreements with the club's management. "It frustrates me because I know we can do better", De Zerbi stated.
Despite the setbacks, De Zerbi's commitment appears unwavering. He has previously used the threat of resignation to challenge his squad, stating in November 2024, "If the problem is me, I am ready to leave". His immediate focus is now on the Coupe de France last 16 match against Rennes, where a defeat could further intensify the pressure.
De Zerbi's strong words suggest he is prepared to confront the challenges head-on and fight for his position and the team's success. His resilience may be vital as Marseille navigates a difficult period and aims to achieve its objectives for the remainder of the season.
