OM – De Zerbi bets on youth… but demands more defensive discipline

With 48 hours to go before the clash with Lyon, Roberto De Zerbi spoke to the media. The Italian coach first stressed the importance of the next fixture:

"The match against Lyon is a very important match. It's the only thing I'm thinking about", he hammered. No question of letting himself be distracted by the Champions League draw or transfer-window debates.

Absentees, but also returns

The coach confirmed the absence of some key players: "Medina and Kondogbia are not ready. Harit is back. Paixao isn't, but for the others, everything is fine". However, he opened the door to a first appearance for new signing Hamed Junior Traoré: "We'll see Traoré, how many minutes he has in his legs".

Youth at the heart of the project

De Zerbi did not hide his faith in OM's youngsters, particularly Bilal Nadir, who has stood out recently:

"Nadir is a talent and I want to give him importance and the right conditions to express himself", he explained, recalling that age is no obstacle in his project: "When you're good, you're good at 18 as well as at 28". Same message for Bakola and Robinio, other young players brought into the squad: the coach intends to build a group blending experience and freshness.

Defense: "The goals we concede are ugly"

Asked about the defensive issues seen against Rennes and Paris, De Zerbi acknowledged the shortcomings:

"The goals conceded against Rennes and Paris are silly and ugly to concede", he said bluntly. The coach wants more rigor and focus: "We have to keep the ball, be braver. We showed it against Aston Villa, so we should be able to reproduce it".

Backing for Rulli and Balerdi

The coach didn't forget to defend some key figures shaken by a tricky start to the season: "Rulli is exceptional. Last year, he was very, very good. I simply ask him to learn, to play, and sometimes to work miracles". Clear backing for his keeper, but also for Balerdi, often targeted by critics.

European ambitions... but focus on Lyon

Regarding the Champions League draw (Real Madrid, Liverpool, Ajax...), De Zerbi refused to look ahead:

"We don't have the experience to judge whether the draw is good or not. What matters is what we'll produce on the pitch. Today, I'm only thinking about Lyon", he repeated.

Team OM, what do you think of the coach's words? Do you agree with De Zerbi betting so much on youth? Will the defense adjust quickly enough? Over to you!