De Zerbi’s Marseille Battles Form and Faction to Keep Champions League Dream Alive
Once cruising towards a top‑three finish, Olympique de Marseille now find themselves embroiled in a tense battle to secure Champions League qualification.
Head coach, Roberto De Zerbi insists his side can withstand the mounting pressure and reclaim the form that had them six points clear in second place just weeks ago.
With 22 games of Ligue 1 done, Marseille appeared set for the top European club competition, far ahead of pursuers. However, a disastrous dip—losing four out of their previous five games—left them in third place and merely four points in front of seventh, converting what looked an easy run-in into a last-minute scramble.
Drama reached a boiling point after news in L’Équipe of almost a dressing-room mutiny.
Forward, Neal Maupay was forced to deny reports on social media that players had refused to train following a 3–1 defeat by Reims, including De Zerbi cancelling rest days and not taking charge of a session—actions said to have unsettled the group.
De Zerbi, signed from Brighton in the summer, has played down the turbulence, stating such incidents are par for the course with the high-pressing style at the Stade Vélodrome.
His methods brought an immediate reaction, as Marseille defeated Toulouse 3–2 last weekend through mimi-hits by Mason Greenwood and Adrien Rabiot. “I am satisfied when the team gives everything.”. We may lose, we may win, we may err but we must leave everything,” he exclaimed in victory.
The pressure does not lie only on Marseille. AS Monaco, behind itself by mere positions, struggled as well in its previous match, so today the two classic French clubs are level with each other for the topmost spots of Europe.
“The most important thing is we have our future in our hands,” said Monaco manager Adi Huetter, underlining the fine lines separating the rivals at the moment.
With the season’s climax approaching, Marseille must navigate both on‑field challenges and internal strife to secure their Champions League berth.
A trip to Stade Louis II to face Monaco looms large on the horizon, and De Zerbi’s ability to steady the ship could define not only his tenure but the club’s ambitions for years to come.
