Roberto De Zerbi: ‘We want to put Marseille back in its place’

The first press conference of Roberto De Zerbi as the Olympique de Marseille manager had been hotly anticipated, especially after the head coach had given a taste of what Marseille fans should expect from him in an interview with Italian outlet Zeta. 

The manager promised the French press gathered that he was looking to build a long-term project in La Provence but that they should expect to see certain results immediately. “In terms of character, I expect my team to be recognisable from the first friendly… I’m not looking for excuses, it takes time, there are deadlines. I signed as if I was going to stay ten years in the club. I don’t focus too much on contracts.”

De Zerbi continued, “We want to have a long-term project, that will put Marseille back in its place, where it deserves to be: fighting for titles at the summit.” A return to Europe would be an impressive start after the disappointing season that the club endured last campaign, where they were unable to secure more than five victories across all competitions away from the Stade Vélodrome.

Changes have already begun to take shape in Marseille with the club being active in the transfer window (signing Ismaël Koné (22) and Lilian Brassier (24)) as they look to strengthen the squad and help De Zerbi achieve this aim of returning the club back to the top.

GFFN | Nick Hartland