Roberto De Zerbi had fun in September. The Italian said it bluntly this Thursday at a press conference: “The last period was very nice, September was a very nice month, I had fun, there was a nice atmosphere. » On the eve of the reception at Le Havre, the Marseille technician wants to leave as he finished. With the same intensity, the same collective, the same ambition. “The idea is to leave as we finished, being convinced that the game is the best way to obtain results”he insisted. But several players will be missing. Kondogbia, Traoré and Medina are still injured. Amine Gouiri, affected with Algeria, will not be there either.
“I had fun”: De Zerbi wants to continue the party against Le Havre!
De Zerbi also took advantage of this press point to praise Nayef Aguerd, who arrived this summer and quickly became a boss of the Marseille defense.
“He’s a player like Pavard or Emerson. Medhi Benatia told me about it when we were on the plane to Miami and I couldn't wait to land to tell her to contact him and close the deal quickly,” the coach said. “Since I have been training him, I have found him stronger than on video. He integrated well quickly. He understands what he needs to do before things are told to him. » Praise which testifies to the immediate impact of the Moroccan defender on the collective.
Precisely, Aguerd preceded De Zerbi in front of the press. And the Moroccan showed remarkable humility. “Am I presenting my best version right now? I hope not. I am always listening, I am always looking to progress. At 29, there are always things to learn and improve,” he declared. “With this coach, he won’t leave me a choice, he’s really into the details. That's what I love. »
A statement which says a lot about De Zerbi's demands and the defender's state of mind, determined to continue to progress despite his solid performances.
Which made Aguerd say: “Something is happening this year” at OM
Aguerd: “Something is happening this year”
Asked about the potential of this OM, Aguerd did not hide his enthusiasm. “It’s a mix between the passion of the coach, the fervor of the supporters, there is also a lot of talent in the squad. Something is happening this year, we have to take advantage of it. » On the question of the title, the Moroccan kicked in cautiously:
“It’s a trick question. We have to play match after match, it's a little early to draw conclusions. The first objective is to qualify for the Champions League. »
A measured response, but the ambition is there, palpable.
De Zerbi sees further. The match against Le Havret “the most important of the series” according to him, because it would extend the winning streak and stay at the top of the rankings.
“We also want to arrive in Lisbon in the best possible way,” he added, referring to the Champions League clash against Sporting. The Italian will continue the turnover “out of obligation and because I can afford it”. With a large squad and hungry players, OM have the cards in hand. It remains to be confirmed.
