Arrived as a hero at OM this summer, Mason Greenwood ignited the start of the season with 8 goals in 11 games. But since January, English, 22, seems to be broken down: only one achievement in two months, saws of saw, and ultimately a bench that has become its new home against Lens and PSG. Roberto de Zerbi, known for his intransigence, does not give a gift: “The one who does not perform does not play”, he repeated behind the scenes.
Questioned this Friday about the management of the former Mancunian, the Marseille coach swept the rumors of conflict. “”
He is a boy whom I love, as well as his father. But he went through a complicated period, with the birth of his daughter and an intense season that he is not used to managing ”he explained, without directly appointing the reasons for its relegation. A clear subtext : “When a player does not push for training, he stays on the bench. »»
De Zerbi wants to give Greenwood a chance
For Zerbi, Greenwood's drop in regime is primarily due to his physique. “He was no longer able to meet my requirements. Not by bad will, but by fatigue ”,
he said, stressing that the striker has ” paid “
the accumulation of matches. An observation shared by the Marseille staff, who noted a 15% drop in his sprints and pressing since December.
De Zerbi lifts the veil: “Greenwood was not 100%”
The Italian technician recalls that his OM project goes beyond individual cases. “I want to build a united team, with a soul, like Luis Enrique in Paris. If a player does not commit, he breaks this dynamic ”, he asserts. A philosophy that explains its radical choices, even towards a flagship recruit.
But hope is reborn. “” This week, he trained with Rage, alone with one of my employees. If he maintains this level, he will play tomorrow ”, promises Zerbi. Faced with Reims, Greenwood therefore has a chance to find its status as a holder … provided that the flame is not extinguished.
