De Zerbi Confirms Marseille Stay After Champions League Exit
Roberto De Zerbi has moved quickly to end speculation over his Marseille future, confirming he remains in charge despite the club’s elimination from the Champions League following a damaging midweek defeat.
Marseille were knocked out after a 3–0 loss away at Club Brugge, a result compounded by Benfica’s 4–2 victory over Real Madrid that sealed Les Olympiens’ fate. The defeat triggered reports in France that De Zerbi had resigned or was close to being dismissed, claims the Italian coach has now firmly rejected.
Pressure intensified in the aftermath of the Brugge loss, with reports suggesting De Zerbi’s position was in serious danger. Former France international Jerome Rothen had previously criticised the Marseille coach, questioning his ability to unlock the squad’s potential, and the coach cut a visibly frustrated figure after another disjointed European performance.
The context around the exit only deepened scrutiny. Marseille conceded six goals across two decisive Champions League matches and failed to score when it mattered most, bringing a premature end to their European campaign and shifting full focus back to domestic football.
Inside the club, however, the tone appeared measured rather than reactionary. Sporting director Medhi Benatia publicly vented his anger after the match but aimed it squarely at the players, describing the defeat as unacceptable and warning it would have consequences for the rest of the season.
Key moments from the Brugge match highlighted Marseille’s struggles. Early defensive lapses saw them concede twice in quick succession, forcing an uphill battle from the opening phase. Despite increased attacking intent after the break, they failed to convert chances and were repeatedly exposed by Brugge’s pace on the counter.
The second half followed a familiar pattern. Marseille pushed forward but lacked efficiency, while Brugge managed the game with composure. Tactical mismatches and poor decision-making prevented any sustained momentum shift.
Late in the match, Marseille’s hopes faded entirely as another defensive error led to a third goal, underlining a night that exposed both structural and psychological issues within the team.
Speaking ahead of Marseille’s Ligue 1 trip to Paris FC, De Zerbi confirmed he held talks with club president Pablo Longoria and Benatia and remains committed to the project. He accepted responsibility for the performance, insisted there is no friction with his squad, and stressed his determination to correct the team’s inconsistency.
The result leaves Marseille at a crossroads. European ambitions are over, and domestic pressure is rising, but De Zerbi’s message was clear. He intends to stay, rebuild confidence, and use the Paris FC fixture as the starting point for a response that could define the remainder of Marseille’s season.