Roberto De Zerbi Remains Optimistic Despite Marseille’s Severe Injury Crisis Ahead of Champions League Showdown
Roberto De Zerbi, the head coach of Marseille, is facing a daunting challenge as his team grapples with a severe injury crisis. This situation has heightened his concerns ahead of their crucial Champions League matchup.
Injury Crisis and Fixture Congestion
De Zerbi has openly expressed frustration regarding the packed fixture schedule. The quick turnaround between matches has left the squad feeling fatigued. Before their recent match against Auxerre, the team could only conduct a walking session, a clear indication of their exhaustion from a previous game just two days before.
Preparation Challenges
- The team’s training intensity has drastically lowered.
- De Zerbi highlighted the inability to prepare adequately for matches due to time constraints.
- He emphasized the need for truth in addressing performance issues.
“We did it walking because we had only played two days earlier,” De Zerbi stated. “You can’t prepare for a match 24 hours in advance.” His comments suggest that the team is struggling to cope with the demands of their schedule.
Critique of Recent Performance
The manager acknowledged that despite poor performances in recent matches, he believes some criticism directed at the team is excessively harsh. “We played poorly against Angers and lost vital points late in the game. Against Auxerre, similar issues persisted,” he noted.
De Zerbi argued that if they take into account earlier matches against teams like Lorient, where strategic changes were made, Marseille could currently lead the league standings. This perspective reflects his determination to navigate through challenging circumstances.
Outlook for the Future
Looking ahead, De Zerbi stressed the importance of resilience during tough periods. “It’s a difficult time, and we need to be tougher and more determined. If we can withstand these challenges, we can expect improvement moving forward,” he concluded.
As Marseille prepares for their upcoming Champions League showdown, all eyes will be on how they manage their injury situation and regain their form.
