Fourteen years of waiting, frustration and defeats. This Monday evening, Olympique de Marseille broke its terrible curse by winning (1-0) against its rival, Paris Saint-Germain, after an electric classic. A goal by Nayef Aguerd at the start of the match, following an error by the Parisian goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, was enough for the happiness of a melted velodrome. But beyond the historical result, it was the reaction of the Marseille coach, Roberto de Zerbi, who made an impression. At the microphone of Ligue 1+, the Italian, faithful to his fiery temperament, did not hide his joy and sent a tasty bite, a real provocation with regard to Parisian power.
Zerbi's “tackle” with Parisian “power”
Visibly galvanized by the feat, from Zerbi revealed the deep motivation which pushed him to join Marseille. “” I told Pablo Longoria that one of the reasons why I wanted to come, it was to beat PSG, because they are stronger, they represent power and power, I don't like it“He said. A strong, almost political declaration, which positions his OM in “rebellious” in the face of the hegemony of the capital. An “anti-power” speech that will not fail to become cult with Marseille supporters.
The premium in the collective: players greet the coach's plan
This victory is also that of tactics and discipline. The players were unanimous in saluting the game plan set up by their coach. “” The coach knew how to stop them and we did the work in the field”Said the Nayef Aguerd goalscorer. A feeling shared by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg: “The plan was to stay well online and be very compact. We played well. Faced with a PSG, certainly reduced by absences, OM opposed a united block and a flawless organization to preserve its advantage.
A “dream evening” to wash the frustration of Madrid
For players, this success is a puff of oxygen which erases the frustration of the raging defeat in Real Madrid in the Champions League a few days earlier. “It's a dream evening,” said Højbjerg. “We didn't like the result in Madrid. We didn't want to be satisfied with a good performance but go for the result. “Facing Paris, the Marseillais were able to combine the way and victory, showing a total commitment praised by the Danish:” Paris is very strong but we were very strong. »»
“For the Marseille people”: a victory that goes beyond the field
Aware of the importance of this match for an entire city, Roberto de Zerbi dedicated this victory to the supporters. “” I am happy for (…) All the people of Marseille. I was born to support myself so I know that this match, the supporters have also played it for a week. We will spend a great week. “A perfect communion between the team, his coach and his audience, who has been waiting for this moment since 2011. If the Italian quickly tempered (” we only won a match “), this success in the classic has a much softer flavor than three simple points.
