French Pundit Backs De Zerbi Amid Pressure on Marseille

Support for the Coach

Prominent French commentator Daniel Riolo advocates for Olympique Marseille to continue their support for manager Roberto de Zerbi, despite the mounting pressure following the club’s elimination from the Champions League this week.

Time for Adaptation

In a recent blog post, Riolo emphasized the importance of allowing De Zerbi time to instill his vision. He remarked, “This type of coach needs time. Players must mature enough to adapt to various formations and tactical changes.”

Comparisons with Other Coaches

Riolo drew parallels to other successful managers, stating, “Mikel Arteta went through a similar journey at Arsenal, facing significant challenges in his initial seasons before achieving success. Likewise, Luis Enrique at PSG only found a winning formula once he minimized frequent tactical shifts.”

Concerns Over Player Adaptability

Riolo expressed concerns regarding the current squad’s capability to grasp De Zerbi’s tactical philosophy: “He needs to assess whether his players can handle the demands of switching from a three-man backline to a four-man setup from one match to another. This is not an easy task and often leads to inconsistent performances.”

Performance Analysis

Reflecting on Marseille’s recent matches, he commented, “Certain performances remain inexplicable. During the last game, it appeared that the team’s mindset was complacent, believing they would advance despite any loss, resulting in a lackluster start.”

Future Considerations

Riolo concluded with a call for the club to make a decisive choice regarding De Zerbi’s future: “We must understand if we are willing to provide him with the necessary time. This coach requires patience, and the club needs to commit to that if they wish to see Olympique Marseille establish greater consistency.”