De Zerbi insists OM’s struggles in Ligue 1 are not tactical issues

After Olympique de Marseille’s crushing 3-0 defeat against Monaco last weekend, head coach Roberto De Zerbi has strongly defended his tactical approach, insisting that OM’s recent poor form isn’t due to their system of play. The Italian manager, who arrived at Marseille in July 2023, has been under increasing pressure as the club battles for a coveted Champions League spot in a tightly contested Ligue 1 race.

In Short

Tactical flexibility not the root cause of OM’s struggles

During Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Marseille’s crucial match against relegation-threatened Montpellier, De Zerbi was direct about what he believes is the real issue behind the team’s inconsistent performances. “I can change everything for every match. It’s the brain and heart that change things, not tactics,” De Zerbi emphasized in response to questions about potential tactical adjustments. “I’m crazy about tactics, but that’s not OM’s problem.”

The Italian tactician has maintained that mental aspects, rather than tactical formations, are what truly determine results on the field. “When you have the head and heart, you can change everything and get results. Without that, the tactical aspect doesn’t count,” he insisted. This philosophical stance reflects De Zerbi’s belief that his players’ mentality has been the main obstacle this season.

Statistics support De Zerbi’s perspective on the importance of mentality over tactics. OM has lost five of their last seven matches despite tactical tweaks, a concerning run of form that threatens their Champions League ambitions. Their last home victory, a spectacular triumph over Toulouse at the Velodrome, demonstrated what the team is capable of when firing on all cylinders.

The coach addressed questions about his preferred formation, explaining: “In Italy, everyone talks about playing systems. It’s part of my job to explain. I’ve almost always played with a back four, creating many scoring opportunities. I think an intelligent coach is one who adapts.” De Zerbi noted that Balerdi’s absence has forced adjustments, making it difficult to maintain his preferred defensive structure.

Mental fortitude and team unity key for Champions League pursuit

Marseille currently sits third in Ligue 1 with just five matches remaining, including Saturday’s home fixture against bottom-placed Montpellier. The race for Champions League qualification has become remarkably tight, with Monaco, OM, Lyon, Lille, and Strasbourg separated by just three points between second and sixth place as of match week 30.

Defender Murillo, who joined De Zerbi at the press conference, emphasized the team’s united front despite recent difficulties. “There are no doubts in the dressing room. Maybe a bit of anxiety in matches because we always want to win,” the Panamanian international explained. “On the pitch, we may not always do what’s needed. Sometimes, things don’t go as we want, and the opponent also has their game plan.”

De Zerbi hasn’t shied away from addressing the mental challenges his squad faces. “All year, I’ve talked about mentality. That’s the problem that probably hasn’t been resolved,” he admitted. “Otherwise, we couldn’t explain such differences between first and second halves. It’s up to me to find the solution. Sometimes you need to be tough with players. Sometimes you need to congratulate them, embrace them.”

The coach revealed he had twice suspended training sessions the week before their defeat against Lens, attempting to increase tension and focus. “Sometimes it works. Sometimes we struggle more,” he reflected. This weekend’s match against Montpellier, who face imminent relegation after ten consecutive defeats, presents a crucial opportunity for OM to regain momentum as fans following live coverage of Ligue 1 matchday action will be watching closely.

Fan support remains vital despite recent setbacks

Despite the disappointing results in recent weeks, the Marseille supporters have continued to back their team. De Zerbi acknowledged this unwavering support during his press conference: “They’ve been behind us when we were winning but also when we drew or when we lost against Lens. Supporters whistle if the attitude isn’t good. Supporters give back to the team what the team gives to them.”

This relationship between the team and its passionate fan base has been particularly important during Marseille’s fluctuating home form this season. Murillo highlighted the significance of performing well at the Vélodrome: “We’ve talked among ourselves. At the beginning of the season, we struggled at home. This is where we want to be better. We know the importance of winning matches at home, in front of our supporters, so they can go home smiling.”

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Saturday’s match against Montpellier, scheduled for 21:05 local time. A victory could potentially see Marseille return to second place or extend their advantage over pursuers, while defeat would compound the pressure on De Zerbi and his squad as they navigate the final stretch of a challenging season.

For Montpellier, the situation is even more dire. They could be officially relegated to Ligue 2 as early as Saturday evening if they lose at Marseille and Le Havre avoids defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. After ten consecutive league defeats, Michel Der Zakarian’s replacement Zoumana Camara faces an enormous challenge to salvage anything from their visit to the Vélodrome.

As the season reaches its climax, De Zerbi remains defiant about his team’s potential: “Tomorrow, we have the potential to win and return to second place or extend our lead over our pursuers. We have the potential to win five games. We need to win the match on the field, not with talk. Tomorrow, everything depends on what we want to do; the result isn’t written.”