De Zerbi Defends Players Amid Marseille Struggles,Dismisses Criticism as “People Who Don’t Like OM”
MARSEILLE,France – Olympique de Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi staunchly defended key players Benjamin Pavard and Emerson Palmieri on Tuesday,attributing recent defensive struggles too a “lack of lucidity” rather than individual failings,following defeats against Sporting Portugal and RC Lens. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s match against SCO Angers, De Zerbi addressed mounting criticism and a growing injury list, asserting his continued confidence in the team.
the Phocaeans have faced scrutiny after conceding in both recent matches, with Pavard and Palmieri specifically highlighted for errors leading to penalties – Palmieri against Sporting, and Pavard in both Lisbon and Lens. De Zerbi, though, downplayed the importance of these incidents, stating, “Ther was Emerson’s simulation, the penalty due to Benjamin Pavard’s mistake… after Lens, I never spoke of fatigue, but of lack of lucidity.” He further emphasized the team’s need to improve in finishing and aggression, acknowledging a lack of physicality against Lens.
De Zerbi directly addressed accusations leveled against his players and the club, dismissing them as motivated by negativity. “The controversies make me want to laugh, these are people who don’t like OM,” he stated. “The words against Emerson, Pavard, against the club, the decisions of management… things are going well, losing is something that happens.”
Despite the setbacks, De Zerbi remains optimistic, declaring his ambition to win the next six matches. He acknowledged a meaningful injury list for the Angers match,with Weah,Kondogbia,Gouiri,Medina,Traoré,and Balerdi all unavailable.
