Roberto De Zerbi Reacts to Pavard Questions and OM’s Strategy
The Olympique de Marseille experienced a rollercoaster start to 2026. They suffered a narrow defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Trophée des Champions. Despite the loss, their performance garnered praise, with Luis Enrique acknowledging Marseille’s strength that evening.
The team’s promising form continued shortly after, where they secured a resounding 9-0 win against Bayeux in the Coupe de France. Recently, they dazzled in Ligue 1, achieving a spectacular 5-2 victory over Angers. However, this upswing was abruptly halted by a 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.
Roberto De Zerbi Addresses Recent Criticism
Following the loss to Liverpool, criticisms emerged regarding the tactical approach of Coach Roberto De Zerbi. Many pointed out the lack of vertical play in his strategy. In a press conference ahead of the upcoming match against Lens, De Zerbi sought to clarify these points.
Defending His Tactics
- De Zerbi emphasized the effectiveness of his team’s offense, stating they are currently the highest-scoring team in Ligue 1 with 41 goals.
- In Europe, Marseille ranks third for goals scored, illustrating their attacking prowess.
- He highlighted that while players contribute to their success, they also share responsibility during poor performances.
Addressing comments regarding defender Benjamin Pavard, De Zerbi expressed that his previous remarks were misinterpreted. He clarified that his criticism was not directed at Pavard and acknowledged that the team did not perform well against Liverpool.
“I may have said he could have been more proactive, but I never attacked him. The poor performance was a collective issue, and I accept my share of responsibility,” De Zerbi stated.
As Marseille gears up to face Lens, the focus remains on improving their gameplay while capitalizing on their goal-scoring statistics.
