The official announcement of Roberto De Zerbi's exit from Marseille came at 2:35 AM on Tuesday, a peculiar timing that was the only surprising aspect of his departure. His resignation had been anticipated for some time, with Sunday's devastating 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes serving as the final blow.
As the camera zoomed in on De Zerbi after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored the hosts' fourth goal, it was evident that the Italian coach knew his time at Marseille was up. The humiliating defeat confirmed what many had suspected: De Zerbi was no longer the right fit for the job—and perhaps never had been.
Despite his reputation as one of the game's most innovative tacticians, De Zerbi's tumultuous stint at the Stade Velodrome has cast doubt on his ability to manage at the highest level.
Praised by Peers
De Zerbi's peers hold him in high regard. Pep Guardiola, for instance, has long admired De Zerbi's work, praising his unique tactical approach and impact on the Premier League with Brighton. "Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years," Guardiola said in May 2023. "There is no team playing the way they play, it's unique, like a Michelin-star restaurant."
Jürgen Klopp, Guardiola's rival, also lauded De Zerbi's Brighton side, admitting they had made his Liverpool team look "silly" during a 3-0 loss at the Amex Stadium.
Loss of Motivation
De Zerbi made history with Brighton by qualifying them for Europe for the first time in the 2022-23 season, but he parted ways with the club due to disagreements over player recruitment and a perceived lack of ambition. "I didn't understand what the next step forward was," he later told the Daily Telegraph. "If I can't see a dream or goal to achieve, I can't give my all."
After leaving Brighton, De Zerbi was in high demand, with several Premier League and Serie A clubs interested in his services. However, his decision to join Marseille was met with skepticism.
Emotional Connection to Marseille
Despite the doubts, De Zerbi and Marseille seemed like a good match on an emotional level. The passionate coach and the chaotic club shared an intense love for the game, which helped De Zerbi feel at home in the city.
De Zerbi's emotional investment in Marseille was evident after their penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Trophee des Champions. He broke down in tears, confessing, "I've never cried after a defeat, but today I did because this defeat hurts."
A Season of Ups and Downs
De Zerbi's first year at Marseille was successful, securing Champions League qualification by finishing second in Ligue 1. However, his tenure was far from smooth. Just three months into the 2024-25 campaign, he threatened to resign after a 3-1 loss at home to Auxerre.
"If I'm the problem, I'm ready to leave," De Zerbi told reporters. "I came to Marseille for the Velodrome and yet I can't get the players to give here what I see in training and in away games. It's my fault, it's my responsibility."
De Zerbi's clashes with players, including an ugly exchange with Ismael Kone, further highlighted the strain in his tenure. Ultimately, Marseille's inconsistency drove De Zerbi to the brink, leading to his dismissal.
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