OM – De Zerbi, between confidence and demands before Lorient

A squad finally complete

“Everyone is fine. Everyone is available,” De Zerbi announced right away, relieved to have almost his entire squad back. “Paixao is returning, we’ll see if he can start. Balerdi came back well, Aubameyang and Weah too. Vermeeren and Traoré had a small problem earlier this week but they can play. Medina is fit, and his absence had been a big blow for us.” Enough to give him plenty of options to rebuild his starting XI.

Paixao, the coach’s long-awaited return

Highly anticipated by the fans, Brazilian winger Paixao will finally see the pitch again after two months out. De Zerbi admitted his impatience: “I’m curious to see him too. He’s not yet at his best physical level, but he’s a very important player for the OM I have in mind. We really missed him.”

Balerdi, still captain despite the storm

The criticism hasn’t shaken his coach’s trust. “Balerdi had a very difficult start to the season, that’s obvious,” conceded De Zerbi. But he immediately added: “He remains the unquestionable captain, a very important player. When my players are struggling, I try to be even closer to them, to show more affection. Apart from his mistakes, a supporter should be proud to have Balerdi.”

On his playing time, De Zerbi was clear: “Balerdi will be on the bench when he has to be, and on the pitch when needed. But for me, he remains decisive.”

Gouiri reassured by his coach

Regarding Amine Gouiri, sometimes seen as underperforming, De Zerbi wanted to shut down any doubts: “When we signed Aubameyang, Benatia and I immediately called Gouiri to tell him that nothing was changing. He’s very important for us. I don’t think it’s a mental issue, more a physical one.” A clear message to restore confidence in his forward.

The style of play, always a demand

Finally, the Italian coach hasn’t changed his stance: “I would always like to win 5-0, to score lots of goals and not concede any. But for that, you have to play well. If you don’t play well, you can’t win.”

A firm reminder: beyond results, he expects his OM to impose their style and intensity.

The Vélodrome as the ultimate judge

Tomorrow against Lorient (8:45 p.m.), OM can’t afford another slip-up. De Zerbi summed up his mindset: “The important thing is to win starting tomorrow. The big games will come afterwards, but we have to start now.”