In a molten velodrome (66,000 spectators), Olympique de Marseille delivered a lesson in realism against Saint-Étienne (5-1) on Saturday. A success carried out by a second devastating period, where the requirement of Roberto de Zerbi made the difference. The Italian coach, architect of this demonstration, revealed the secret of this metamorphosis: instill in the “Wickedness” to his group.
De Zerbi: “Kill the opponent, even in entertainment”
Questioned by Bein Sports, the technician underlined the mental turning point operated on: “At halftime, I told them to put a little more wickedness and” kill “the opponent. Football is entertainment, supporters must have fun, but when you have opportunities like today, you have to convert. »» A paid injunction: between the 50ᵉ and the 60ᵉ minute, OM sealed the match by three goals (Greenwood, Murillo, Gouiri), transforming a quiet victory into collective humiliation.
Proud of the evolution of his team, of Zerbi praised a “Very good match”, While temperating: “Too bad for the goal we concede”. On tactical progression, it remains measured: “It's hard to give a figure, but we improve on all levels. »» He notably quotes Cornelius, which has become
“An important player”and rent the winter transfer window:
“Longoria and Benatia recruited four major players. We become very strong. »»
Rabiot and Hojbjerg: the echo of a trance collective
Adrien Rabiot, author of 5-0, embodied this controlled rage:
“This is what we want to put in place since the start of the season. We take pleasure, everyone attacks and defends. There are only leaders. »» A mentality forged in training: “We train 100% to play 100% until the end. »»
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, radiant, summed up the state of mind:
“The match was full. I had fun today! »»
The Danish praised a “Work week” paid, while warning: “Now you have to go to Auxerre. »»
“Wickedness” as philosophy
Behind the term provocative of De Zerbi hides a clear philosophy: transcending the spectacle by ruthless efficiency. Saint-Etienne, swept away in 15 minutes, paid the price. With 15 goals in three games, OM assumes its status as an offensive machine, while winning in defensive maturity.
Second in the classification, seven points from PSG, Marseille cultivates its ambitions. But for Zerbi, the urgency remains” fetch “ Each match with the same determination. Faced with auxerre, the Phocaeans will have to prove that this “Wickedness” can also stretch over time.
