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Roberto De Zerbi's made his demands! Marseille coach tells Ligue 1 club's board EXACTLY what he wants if he's to stay on as manager

Ligue 1

Marseille

Brest

<p>De Zerbi has laid out clear conditions for his future at Marseille, making it known that staying on as head coach hinges on the club’s willingness to meet his tactical demands. Speaking candidly, the Italian manager emphasised the need for signings that fit his preferred system — featuring a back four, traditional wingers, and a No.10.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Marseille’s season under De Zerbi has unravelled after a promising start, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/no-solutions-mason-greenwood-marseille-crisis-roberto-de-zerbi-disaster-form/blta0041b42a0380687" target="_blank">tactical changes and squad decisions drawing criticism</a>. Initially thriving in a 4-2-3-1 system, De Zerbi has since shifted to a 3-4-2-1 despite a shortage of natural centre-backs. Injuries to Luiz Felipe and now Leonardo Balerdi have further exposed defensive frailties. Key signings like Lilian Brassier were underused before departing, while experienced players like Chancel Mbemba remain sidelined due to injury. Instead, De Zerbi has relied on makeshift defenders, including full-backs Pol Lirola and Amir Murillo and midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, with limited success.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>“If I am to stay next season, and they bring me the right players that can adapt to these positions – I want to play with a back four, wingers, and a number 10. I’ve always set up like that, but you have to adapt to the players that you have," De Zerbi demanded (h/t <a href="https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2025/if-im-to-stay-next-season-i-want-the-players-to-play-a-back-four-roberto-de-zerbi/" target="_blank">Get French Football News</a>).</p><p>“It doesn’t bother me to talk about systems, in Italy, they ask questions about it even more. It’s part of our work as a managers to explain these things. I’ve almost always played with a four-man defence, with inverted wingers that create a lot of chances. But a good coach has to adapt to his players. Balerdi isn’t here, so it’s difficult to play with four at the back. Murillo has to adapt. And often our goals come from his movements. Kondogbia isn’t a centre-back. [Quentin] Merlin, [Ulisses] Garcia and Lirola aren’t full-backs who can play deep, like [Amar] Dedic.”</p>

WHAT ROBERTO DE ZERBI SAID

<p>With just five games to go, Marseille are currently on course to qualify for next season's Champions League as they sit in third position on the Ligue 1 table. In their next game, Les Olympiens will take on Montpellier on Saturday, April 19, at Stade Velodrome.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MARSEILLE?

Roberto De Zerbi's made his demands! Marseille coach tells Ligue 1 club's board EXACTLY what he wants if he's to stay on as manager | Goal.com

Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi sent a message to the club&apos;s board by demanding them to sign reinforcements in order to prevent his departure.

Roberto De Zerbi&apos;s made his demands! Marseille coach tells Ligue 1 club&apos;s board EXACTLY what he wants if he&apos;s to stay on as manager

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