OM – Roberto De Zerbi sends a message before Real Madrid and PSG

A Conquered Vélodrome, a Reassured Coach

After an August “worthy of several seasons,” OM finally found its smile again by sweeping aside Lorient (4-0). The Vélodrome shook, the new signings shone (Greenwood, Pavard, Gomes, Aguerd), and even Roberto De Zerbi appeared more relaxed than usual. In a press conference, the Italian delivered a clear but optimistic message: “The club had a great transfer window, the team is strong, the players are very good. Today, for us, it was a bit like the first league match, because many new players were playing together for the first time.”

New Signings Already Taking Charge

The Marseille coach did not hide his satisfaction with the immediate impact of his new players: “When you have strong and intelligent players like Aguerd, Pavard, O’Riley, Vermeeren, they adapt quickly and shorten the adjustment time.”

Satisfied but cautious, he reminded everyone of the urgency: “Unfortunately, it’s already the 4th matchday and we’ve lost two games. The championship is moving forward, we have to make up for lost time and be quick and efficient.”

Injuries and Minor Setbacks

The perfect evening still had a few shadows. Amine Gouiri, who suffered a blow to the shoulder, is doubtful for the clash against Real Madrid: “We’ll see if he’ll be ready by Tuesday,” explained De Zerbi. More reassuringly, he confirmed: “Aguerd is fine, and as for Pavard, it was just cramps.”

A Rediscovered Atmosphere

While emphasizing the quality of the transfers, De Zerbi also stressed the state of mind: “The atmosphere among the players is different now. There’s a lot of enthusiasm in wearing the OM jersey. We got the players back after the break and I see optimism in them.”

A way to turn the page on an August marked by tension around Adrien Rabiot and disappointing results.

Back Four, Back Three: De Zerbi’s Flexibility

Asked about his defensive setup, the Italian clarified: “We defended with four, but when building up we shifted to three. Medina did what he was already doing at Lens, and we also have Emerson for that role.”

And on managing competition? “If you want to be as ambitious as OM, you need competition everywhere. It’s my responsibility to always choose the best eleven.”

Heading Toward Madrid and Paris

Now comes the week of all dangers: Real Madrid on Tuesday at the Bernabéu, PSG on Sunday at the Vélodrome. De Zerbi doesn’t avoid the challenge:

“We will go to Madrid with humility, because Real is still Real and the Bernabéu is special. But also with ambition: OM does not play the Champions League wearing a light jersey. This jersey has weight, a history.”

He added, as a warning to his players: “We must play this match with the ambition to achieve a result, because that’s what the history of the club demands, what the city demands. But we must never forget where we come from: last year, we had only one European match, and we were coming off an 8th place in the league. That must stay in our minds.”

A Clear Message

This 4-0 against Lorient, more than just a victory, feels like a founding act: restored cohesion, a calmer dressing room, decisive new signings, and a coach who is finally looking ahead. Now it remains to be confirmed on the biggest European stage and against the national rival.