Unwavering motivation. During the pre -match press conference between Olympique de Marseille and Ajax Amsterdam Tuesday evening at 9 p.m., Roberto de Zerbi appeared confident in front of the press, clearly displaying his ambitions. For good reason, this home meeting could allow OM to score its first points during this new Champions League campaign, after its defeat against Real Madrid (2-1).
For this, the Italian coach appeared confident in front of the cameras. A behavior which differs from that displayed during the victory of his family 1-0 against PSG on September 22. De Zerbi had been expelled for railing with the meeting referee, Mr. Brisard, then suspended for a match (since purged) against Strasbourg during success 1-2 on Friday.
Despite everything, OM is on a series of three victories in a row in Ligue 1, for seven goals scored and only one collected, and points to third place in the championship, three points from the ex-Aequo Paris and Lyon leaders. The time is therefore for confirmation in the Champions League.
Of Zerbi: “OM can exist in this competition”
Asked about the objective to be achieved, Roberto de Zerbi posted a certain serenity. “I think OM can exist in this competition. I don't know what we will do, but I know we can be there. »» A positivity marked by a total confidence of the tactician towards his group. “” The group is strong, positive and has the passion for football. At meetings with the players, I see that they feel what I am saying. We all built this team together to be here and stay there. It's difficult, you have to keep your feet on the ground. But we have to play with pride, with our weapons and our qualities. »»
It will still be necessary not to fall into the Ajax trap, a more than used team from the Champions League. Then trained by a former resident of Ligue 1, the Italian Francesco Farioli, the Ajacids had finished second in Eredivisia last season. Now under the orders of John Heitinga, the Dutch people suffered a 0-2 defeat at home against Inter Milan. A result that does not matter for Roberto de Zerbi. “They have quality and class players. They have a style of play and are very aggressive. They play with courage, it is their DNA. You have to prepare the LDC matches to the maximum. But I think we have the qualities to hurt Ajax. We have players capable of putting them in difficulty. »»
