Roberto De Zerbi clearly had no intention of mincing his words on Saturday night. After his team’s fine display against RC Lens (3–1), the Italian coach didn’t just send a strong message to Ligue 1… he also settled some scores with the French press.
Asked on Ligue 1+ about his team’s attacking power, already responsible for 44 league goals this season, the former Brighton coach let a frustration burst out that he seemed to have been holding in for some time. Tired of the criticism and what he sees as contradictory narratives, De Zerbi finally spoke his mind.
De Zerbi fires back at the French press
“The performance? That’s for you to say. It’s not something that concerns me. I know how we played. And I also know that, this season, Marseille have never scored so many goals since 1970–1971. If you score, it means you have something extra. I don’t have to convince you. Annoyed? I said that, if I had a French passport, it would be different. I arrived here with a lot of respect.”
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“I’ve grown attached to Marseille, it’s a special place, but many of you can criticize and feel like bosses. Many are acting in bad faith. I stay in my place. But I think nationality changes a lot of things. And I’m Italian, proud of it. My only boss is Frank McCourt, is that clear?” said the former Brighton manager.
A blunt, sincere, almost angry outburst that says a lot about the pressure the Italian is under and his need to see his team’s work recognized. That night, beyond the win, De Zerbi mainly left a mark with a rant as rare as it was powerful.
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