De Zerbi Demands Reaction from OM Ahead of Crucial Champions League Clash
OM need a positive result in Brussels to kickstart their European campaign.
Olympique de Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi has issued a stark challenge to his players ahead of Tuesday evening’s Champions League match against Union Saint-Gilloise, emphasizing the need for immediate improvement following recent setbacks. The match, set to begin at 9 p.m. local time, represents a pivotal moment for OM as they seek to reignite their European ambitions.
Recent results have cast a shadow over the team’s performance. A 2-2 draw at the Vélodrome against Toulouse was followed by a 1-0 defeat away to Lille last Friday, intensifying the pressure on De Zerbi and his squad. The team currently finds itself in a challenging position, ranked 21st in the race to qualify for the European play-offs, with Union Saint-Gilloise positioned slightly ahead in 25th.
De Zerbi made his feelings clear during a press conference Monday, stating, “We don’t have time to worry… We know that it’s going to be a very important match, and that will allow us to forget this match against Lille, the worst perhaps since I was at OM.” He underscored the relentless schedule, acknowledging the difficulty of competing every three days but insisting that consistent high-level performance is non-negotiable.
The Italian coach is particularly concerned with the team’s lack of consistency. “I am not happy with the quality of the game offered. I wish we played better,” he explained. While acknowledging flashes of brilliance earlier in the season against teams like PSG, Lens, and Newcastle, De Zerbi stressed the importance of maintaining that level of play “over the duration of an entire match.”
Injuries to key players, including Traoré and Gouiri, have further complicated matters. De Zerbi noted the impact of their absence, stating that OM currently lacks a definitive number 10. The role of Greenwood will be assessed on a match-by-match basis, with tactical adjustments – including variations between a four and five-man defense – being considered to optimize the team’s performance.
OM are still searching for their first away win in the 2025-2026 Champions League, having previously suffered defeats at Real Madrid (2-1) and Sporting Portugal (2-1). A favorable outcome in Brussels against Union Saint-Gilloise would provide a significant boost to their chances of progressing to the play-offs, offering a much-needed lift to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his teammates.
