De Zerbi Faces Uncertain Future at Marseille After UCL Exit

De Zerbi Under Pressure Following Marseille’s Champions League Failure

Roberto De Zerbi is in ‘great danger’ at Marseille after his side’s dramatic elimination from the Champions League. The former Brighton boss witnessed a night to forget as Marseille fell 3-0 to Club Brugge, only for Benfica’s late 4-2 victory over Real Madrid to knock the French club out of Europe by the narrowest of margins.

Struggles Continue for De Zerbi in Europe

With Marseille’s Champions League campaign now over, scrutiny has intensified on De Zerbi’s record in the competition. Before their latest exit, voices within French football, like ex-international Jerome Rothen, criticized De Zerbi for his inability to inspire and organize Marseille at the highest level. Rothen pointed out that De Zerbi had managed just one win in his first ten Champions League fixtures, questioning the Italian’s tactical approach and suitability for a club with Marseille’s ambitions.

Criticism Mounts After Recent Defeats

The pressure had already been mounting after a 3-0 loss to Liverpool the previous week, but the performance against Brugge only compounded frustrations. De Zerbi himself admitted post-match that it was “a very bad day” for Marseille, highlighting their slow start and inability to capitalize on opportunities. He acknowledged the team’s lack of attentiveness and took responsibility for the disappointing result, asking fans for forgiveness.

Marseille Leadership Reacts to Champions League Exit

While De Zerbi absorbed much of the blame, sporting director Medhi Benatia chose to focus his dismay on the players, calling the defeat a “professional foul” and expressing hope that the humiliation would have lasting consequences for the squad’s mentality. Benatia’s remarks underline the sense of disappointment and urgency now gripping the club.

De Zerbi’s Job at Marseille Hangs by a Thread

According to French outlet RMC Sport, Roberto De Zerbi’s position at Marseille is now “hanging by a thread.” Talks are reportedly ongoing between the club and De Zerbi’s representatives, with his future made increasingly precarious by the Brugge defeat. Having signed a three-year contract in 2024, De Zerbi’s prospects are uncertain ahead of the crucial league fixture against Paris FC this weekend.

What’s Next for De Zerbi and Marseille?

Marseille currently sits third in Ligue 1, five points adrift of second-place Lens and seven behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain. The upcoming match against Paris FC is shaping up to be a must-win affair for De Zerbi if he hopes to retain his position. A little over a week ago, the Italian coach was being linked to the Manchester United job, but recent events may have diminished interest from other major clubs. His tenure at Marseille now depends on an immediate turnaround in form.

Opinion: De Zerbi’s Tenure Reflects a Broader Challenge

De Zerbi’s struggles at Marseille highlight the challenges coaches face in adapting to elite European competition. Despite clear tactical ideas and previous success in the Premier League, his inability to produce results on the continental stage has cast a shadow over his reputation. While player performance must also be considered, a club like Marseille demands both instant results and a long-term vision. For De Zerbi, the coming weeks will be decisive—not just for his future at the club, but potentially for his standing in European football as a whole.

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