Roberto de Zerbi said and repeated it since his arrival, the players he trains are like his children and he intends to defend them against all odds, whether when they have extra-sport problems or when they are less efficient on the ground. He did it again on Friday, at a press conference on Friday, on the eve of the 25th day of Ligue 1 match between Olympique de Marseille and AJ Auxerre.
Despite the good Dynamics of OM in Ligue 1 (three consecutive victories), the most tatillon and demanding were able to notice that Quentin Merlin's performance were often below those of his teammates, but also and above all the potential that he was able to demonstrate since he wears the Marseille jersey. Beyond the undeniable kilometric slaughter of the ancient Nantes, we have seen a lot of clumsiness and questionable choices in terms of passes, centers, or even strikes. A time mentioned as an international piston potential in the Didier Deschamps group, the 22 -year -old left -hander caps a little.
“An extraordinary player”, for Zerbi
The arrival of Amar dedic during the transfer window offers a promising alternative to Roberto de Zerbi, who has already launched the Bosnian international on two game ends, with an immediate impact and a lot of ball provocation on the foot. However, the Italian technician has no intention of putting Quentin Merlin on the closet and even supported him in front of the media on Friday, to the point of being a bit in denial regarding the concerns of Marseille fans on this subject.
“Quentin Merlin was not criticized by supporters. I don't think. Even if he happened to miss a assist or a goal. But in the first 70 meters it is an extraordinary player. He has the technique of an environment and in the defensive phase, he has progressed a lot. He just has to improve his last 20 meters, in the assists, the strikes, the conclusion. He has my total confidence and that of his teammates ”said the former Brighton coach.
Merlin should be holder against Auxerre again on Saturday at Father-deschamps. But with the praise made by his coach and the devouring ambition displayed by Amar dedic, not passed away from his first goal under his new colors against Saint-Etienne, his performance will necessarily be scrutinized a little closer.
