De Zerbi Defiant as Marseille Falter in Dramatic Draw

Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi faced the media with raw emotion after watching his team surrender a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 draw against Paris FC, a result that adds to the mounting pressure following a string of disappointing outcomes.

De Zerbi Faces the Storm After Marseille’s Late Collapse

De Zerbi’s passionate leadership has come under intense scrutiny as his Marseille side failed to hold onto a promising lead, just days after crashing out of the Champions League. Mason Greenwood confidently dispatched a penalty in the 19th minute—his 13th goal of the season—to put OM on track, before providing the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s clinical finish early in the second half.

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But Marseille’s familiar late-game woes resurfaced. Jonathan Ikone’s 82nd-minute header gave Paris FC hope, and the drama peaked deep into stoppage time when Geronimo Rulli conceded a penalty. Ilan Kebbal made no mistake from the spot, stealing two vital points from Marseille’s grasp in the 94th minute.

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This stumble leaves De Zerbi’s men third in Ligue 1, trailing leaders Lens by seven points. The setback comes at the end of a turbulent week, with media speculation swirling about De Zerbi’s future. Reports even suggested that the Italian tactician considered resigning after a 3-0 defeat to Club Brugge eliminated Marseille from the Champions League, but the club’s hierarchy, including president Pablo Longoria and sporting director Medhi Benatia, have publicly backed him—for now.

De Zerbi’s Response: Ready for Battle

A visibly frustrated De Zerbi addressed the press, stating, “We need to understand that what we’ve done at present is not good enough. Don’t worry about me. I’m always ready to go to war. Whether it’s tomorrow or today. I started from the bottom, I learned the ropes, I’m used to this, I know how to handle it. It frustrates me because I know we can do better. I’m frustrated because I’m the coach, but we could be playing the Rennes match in 10 minutes, I’ll be ready. I don’t necessarily tell you everything I think. Not out of disrespect, but because the press conference room isn’t the place for it. I say things as they are in the locker room, in the meeting room.”

Leadership Under Fire: A Season on the Brink

The result against Paris FC, coupled with the Champions League exit, has brought De Zerbi’s project at Marseille to a crossroads. His long-term vision is being questioned, especially in light of the team’s defensive instability and the inconsistent performances of key players. Although De Zerbi insists he has the “strength to stay,” there is palpable tension behind the scenes. This is not the first time he has used the threat of resignation as a catalyst; in November 2024, after a home loss to Auxerre, he openly said, “If the problem is me, I am ready to leave.”

De Zerbi Awaits Defining Fixtures

With European aspirations dashed, this season’s remaining domestic competitions take on new significance for De Zerbi and Marseille. The squad’s mental resilience will be tested immediately as they prepare to host Stade Rennais in a crucial Coupe de France round of 16 tie. Next weekend’s derby clash against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes is even more pivotal—a heavy defeat there could render De Zerbi’s position untenable.

Opinion: Can De Zerbi Steady the Ship?

Roberto De Zerbi’s unwavering commitment and emotional leadership style have undoubtedly energized Marseille, but results must follow passion. The draw against Paris FC highlights persistent tactical issues, especially in defense, that need urgent attention. If De Zerbi can channel this adversity into a renewed sense of unity and tactical discipline, OM’s season may yet be salvaged. Otherwise, the coming weeks could see further upheaval at the club.

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