Roberto De Zerbi has expressed his commitment to staying at Marseille for the long haul, aiming to become a significant figure in the club’s history.
Despite facing criticism, he remains focused on making a substantial impact. “I still see myself here long-term. I’d like to go beyond three years and be one of the most important coaches here,” he stated.
Marseille currently sits third in Ligue 1, trailing leaders Lens by just two points after an impressive five-match unbeaten run. A victory over Lille on Friday could propel them to the top of the table, as Lens and Paris Saint-Germain are not playing until Saturday. This season, Marseille has suffered only three defeats, with PSG and Rennes losing fewer games.
De Zerbi is already planning for the upcoming year, balancing squad rotation with his ambitions for Marseille. The team is 21st in the Champions League standings with six points, holding a play-off spot with three matches remaining. In Ligue 1, Opta’s supercomputer gives them a 5.6% chance of winning the title.
The manager is determined to keep Marseille competitive across all competitions by season’s end. “I want to arrive in May and be fighting for all the competitions,” he added. He aims for a strong Champions League run and believes they should have the ambition to achieve it.
January will be pivotal as Marseille faces PSG and Lens in Ligue 1, competes in the Trophee des Champions in Kuwait, plays two crucial Champions League matches, and potentially participates in a Coupe de France game if they advance past the first round.
De Zerbi emphasises that preparations must begin well before January to manage the squad effectively without causing harm. “We have to make choices beforehand,” he explained. Recent matches have seen strategic player rotations, such as starting Robino Vaz against Metz while benching Amine Gouiri and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Managing Squad Rotation
The manager also discussed his approach to managing young players and making tactical decisions. He faced criticism for playing Darryl Bakola but defended his choice as a calculated risk due to Bakola’s talent. “People who say that are either acting in bad faith or should find another job,” De Zerbi remarked.
He believes he understands how to nurture young talent by giving them opportunities while acknowledging his fallibility: “I know how to manage them… But I can make mistakes; I’m not infallible.” His strategy involves keeping players engaged and making informed decisions before each match.
As De Zerbi continues his journey with Marseille, his focus remains on achieving success across all fronts while fostering talent within the squad. His dedication to long-term goals reflects his ambition to leave a lasting legacy at the club.