OM – De Zerbi: “It was really the substitutes who changed the game”

OM finally secures an away win

After beating Paris, OM followed up with a precious victory on Strasbourg’s pitch. An evening that first unfolded with a frustrating scenario, before the substitutes – Aubameyang, Greenwood, Pavard, Emerson and the young Robinho Vaz – turned the game around. Suspended and forced to follow the match from the stands, Roberto De Zerbi appeared relieved yet clear‑headed.

“It’s a victory for the club. It was the substitutes who changed the balance of the match,” the Italian stressed afterwards.

Q&A – De Zerbi’s press conference

On the match and the team’s rhythm:

“We started slowly, Strasbourg very strongly. It’s a young team but already very good, with a clear identity. We conceded that silly goal after the break, but then we freed ourselves. The arrivals of Aubameyang, Emerson, Greenwood, Pavard and Robinho Vaz changed everything. I’m very, very happy.”

On the competition between Gouiri and Aubameyang up front:

“No problem. Competition is positive. We play a lot: Monday, Friday, Tuesday again... I try to choose according to form and the nature of the match. I’m pleased with Gouiri, with Aubameyang and also with Robinho. I didn’t bring him on to just give him minutes, but to win. And they’re the ones who gave us this victory.”

On the so‑called “August crisis” now behind them:

“August is never far away, you know that better than I do. In Marseille, you can never let your guard down. Every day, something can happen. You have to stay focused, humble, with your feet on the ground. We always need to keep in mind Rennes, Lyon, even Paris at the Vélodrome where we won 5-2 but struggled in our play.”

On his warning “if we show up in flip‑flops, we’re not a big team”:

“No, it’s not the result that defines a big team. Even without a win I would have been satisfied, because tonight the team was serious and mentally present. It wasn’t a flip‑flop game. It’s one more step towards what we want to become.”

On the first away win of the season:

“Yes, it was starting to annoy me. I was thinking about it in the stands. I don’t want a team that only wins at the Vélodrome. I want us to be good everywhere: Lyon, the Parc, Strasbourg. Since the end of the transfer window, with the arrivals of Aguerd, Pavard, O’Riley, there’s been a real momentum: three straight league wins, just one goal conceded against Paris, Strasbourg and Lyon. It’s important.”

On his suspension and being in the stands:

“I experienced it like when I was a kid in the stands with the Brescia ultras. Tonight, I was a bit of an ultra myself. I congratulate my staff: Maldera, Quinto, Panico… They made the right choices at the right time. It was special for them too, and I’m very happy for them.”

A victory that counts double

With this win in Strasbourg, OM racks up a third straight Ligue 1 victory and ends the bad run away from the Vélodrome. More than just a result, it’s a psychological turning point. De Zerbi knows it: his squad is moving forward, but vigilance remains the watchword.