The Italian coach took stock of OM’s start to the season and aims to do better in the next matches.
Third in the Ligue 1 table, Olympique Marseille wants to stay close to the Monaco-PSG duo at the top of the championship. Beaten by their Parisian rival during the Classic (0-3), the Phocéens will have to show a completely different face at the end of the 10th matchday of the championship, against Nantes on Sunday evening (21).
«This defeat against PSG is difficult to digest. It’s been weighing on me all week. We put ourselves in danger by ourselves, I want more personality, even in construction. I want them to be more aggressive and not suffer the match» declared Roberto De Zerbi in the press conference, referring to the last match in which OM was suffocated by PSG from the start.
The most important thing is the 20 points
If they win at La Beaujoire on Sunday evening, OM will have recovered 20 points from the start of the season. The transalpine coach made a point of honor on this detail which would make him a real candidate for second place in the championship (which equates to a share of two points per game). Aware of the various concerns that the OM experiences in remaining consistent between each match, or even each half. “We would like to do better, we would like more points but it’s not catastrophic. We are having a good championship even if this is not the case in all matches» declared De Zerbi in particular.
Between four expulsions in nine games, a defense that changes almost every weekend, it is difficult for De Zerbi to implement his principles. Good news for him, especially considering the probable retirement of Ulisses Garcia: his best left back, Quentin Merlin, will return against his former team after several weeks on the bench.
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Interview: Assessing Olympique Marseille’s Season So Far
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this edition of our sports interview series. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned football analyst and expert, Marco Rossi, to dive deeper into Olympique Marseille’s performance this season and what they might need to do moving forward. Marco, thank you for joining us!
Marco Rossi: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here discussing such an exciting league.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. Olympique Marseille started the season strong but has faced significant challenges recently, especially with that loss to PSG. How do you think their performance in this match will affect their morale moving forward?
Rossi: That defeat certainly leaves a scar. Losing 0-3 in such a crucial match can be tough for any team, especially in a rivalry as intense as the one with PSG. The players need to regroup quickly because dwelling on that result can impact their confidence. The coach will be focusing on turning that disappointment into motivation for their next match.
Editor: Speaking of the coach, how has he been managing the team’s dynamics following that loss?
Rossi: The coach has acknowledged that the defeat is difficult to digest. He mentioned it has been weighing on him all week, which shows he’s taking responsibility and feeling the emotional weight of the match. I believe he’ll use this moment as a teachable one. He needs to communicate to the players about the importance of resilience; they have to shift focus and prepare for their next game against Nantes.
Editor: Exactly, that match against Nantes is up next. How crucial do you think it is for Marseille to secure a win there?
Rossi: It’s absolutely vital. They need to regain momentum to keep pace with the top teams like Monaco and PSG. A strong response against Nantes will not only help in terms of points but will also be essential for restoring confidence in the squad. They cannot afford to slip further down the table, especially this early in the season.
Editor: With their current standing in the Ligue 1 table—third place—and the tight competition, what strategies do you think they should implement to ensure they stay competitive?
Rossi: They need a balanced approach. Defensively, they must tighten up—especially after the debacle against PSG. Offensively, they should focus on exploiting spaces and being more clinical in front of goal. Integrating new tactical variations and possibly rotating players could offer them a fresh perspective. Also, maintaining a strong home advantage will be essential, considering the upcoming match dynamics.
Editor: How important is the mental aspect of their game, especially in high-stakes matches like the classic against PSG?
Rossi: The mental game is critical. Football isn’t just about the physical and tactical aspects; psychological resilience is key in handling pressure situations. Players must be equipped to bounce back from setbacks and maintain their focus. The coach has a pivotal role here in instilling a “next game” mentality—encouraging the team to shake off the past and look forward.
Editor: Great insights, Marco. So, looking ahead, what are your predictions for Olympique Marseille if they manage to turn things around?
Rossi: If they can channel their frustration into resolve and approach their upcoming games with creativity and tenacity, I believe Marseille can remain in the title hunt. They’re strong enough to challenge for the top places, but they must find consistency. A good run following the match against Nantes could really propel them forward.
Editor: Thank you, Marco, for your valuable analysis. It’s going to be interesting to see how Marseille responds in their next match and throughout the season.
Rossi: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how this season unfolds for them.