Metz–OM: De Zerbi puts everyone on alert, rotation embraced and focus on consistency

This isn’t a game “in between,” it’s a maturity test. After PSG, Strasbourg, and Ajax, OM arrives at Saint-Symphorien full of confidence… and facing the perfect trap. Roberto De Zerbi hammered it home in his press conference: Metz won’t give anything away. Deep block, density, lightning transitions, matches decided by details — the kind of fixture where a great team proves it can win through more than the emotional rush of the Vélodrome.

“We want to be competitive”: clarity and high standards

The tone is set: “Without desire or sacrifice, quality isn’t enough.” De Zerbi reviewed the footage, calibrated the workload, and set the context. Yes, Marseille has been on a roll. Yes, the first half against Ajax was near perfect. But Ligue 1 brings you back down to earth quickly: “These matches make every team suffer, even more when you want to grow.” In plain terms: no free fireworks, but a victory that’s constructed, clinical, and clean.

The coach embraces a message that cuts against the buzz: six matches in twenty-two days, and you win as a group. The pitch will decide; rotation is a tool — not a lottery. Højbjerg has already logged heavy minutes, Aubameyang too: “We can’t afford to lose a player.” Against Ajax, Balerdi “could have played,” according to the medical staff, but the risk wasn’t worth it. Clear message: management is also a form of courage.

Paixão back on track, Gouiri reassured: attack in sync

The hot topic of the moment, Paixão, just received public backing. After two months out and unseen effort to climb back, came the reward: an important game, and the scent of goals rediscovered. “Sometimes, you have to invest early: minutes, fitness, mindset. The pitch helps more than words.” The Brazilian is back to expected levels, and his connection with De Zerbi’s wide lanes (width, runs, defensive compactness) was on full display.

As for Amine Gouiri, he doesn’t need a permanent trial. The coach made it clear: “He’s calm; he’s a strong player.” Not an out-and-out striker chasing depth nor a 30-goal poacher — but a playmaking forward, able to involve teammates, handle pressure, and help the team progress. Depending on the opponent, it’s him or Aubameyang to start — sometimes 20 minutes to finish, sometimes 70 to wear down the opposition: “The contribution has to stay the same. We also win with substitutes.”

Vermeeren, present and future: balance in midfield

Before De Zerbi spoke, Arthur Vermeeren had already given his calm take: vision, reading of play, simplicity, and that extra step that makes everything flow. The Italian drove the point home: “He’s the present and the future of the club.” He still has to “become less shy off the pitch” to grow into a leader, but on the field, he’s already mastered the manual: recover, project forward, accelerate without panic. In rotation with O’Riley and Højbjerg, Marseille has a flexible — and ambitious — triangle.

To those nostalgic for the past (Rongier, Rabiot), De Zerbi answers with reality: different profiles, the same quality, and rising standards with every result. The staff hasn’t “magically” changed in the past month; what changed were well-chosen signings — both technically and humanly. The Bernabéu revealed it, PSG and Strasbourg confirmed it, Ajax validated it: now it must be repeated.

Squad, injuries, hierarchy: cards on the table

The injury list remains the same: Facundo Medina is out (sprain), Hamed Traoré and Geoffrey Kondogbia are expected back after the break. Balerdi remains the only real last-minute doubt — sensations to monitor after his return. The rest of the squad is available, with one simple idea: “matchday mindset” from the morning on, no matter the opponent. “We’d rather travel across Europe than watch the Champions League from the couch, but that means being ready every three days.”

On the flanks, OM has found its relays: Weah for two-way intensity, Emerson to secure weak phases, Greenwood to link pressing and finishing. Up front, Aubameyang embodies both the armband and the compass — scorer, provider, target man, depth runner. And at the back, Aguerd holds the line, while Pavard needs to raise his level against short, quick wingers — exactly the type Metz likes to launch in transition.

Metz, the kind of match you must know how to win

The “Grenats” may be bottom of the table, but they’re stubborn and often lose late. The pattern is clear: back five, tough midfielders, long targeted balls, battles for second chances, and dangerous corners. It’s up to OM to impose first the mental tempo — patience without softness — then the technical rhythm: controlled pressing (not restrained), clean buildups when possible, vertical passes when necessary. No gifts, maximum efficiency.

There’s leadership to assert in the standings, but above all, a spine to solidify over time. The path to the elite, as De Zerbi repeats, is measured on those gray Saturdays when you win because you respect both the plan and the opponent. If Marseille wants to be “big,” it’s now — in these trap matches — that they need to prove it.

No euphoria, no contempt: humility, rhythm, points. The ongoing run has put OM back on track; Metz must confirm the transformation. And if rotation shows up again in the starting XI, remember: it’s not a gamble — it’s a plan.