The defeat in Lisbon (2-1) leaves its mark. Two days after this misstep against Sporting, the atmosphere in Marseille is not good. The first feedback from the locker room evokes mutual reproaches and tactical misunderstandings reminiscent of the Rabiot-Rowe crisis at the start of the season.
Responsibilities that intertwine
Emerson's expulsion for simulation in the 45th minute turned the match on its head. But in the mixed zone, Aubameyang immediately accused the refereeing, repeating that it was “scandalous” and that the full-back’s first card was “unjustified”. The problem ? The images show an obvious simulation. This defense of a teammate at the expense of reality creates exactly the type of unease that rots a group.
Benjamin Pavard lived a nightmare. Involved in the two goals conceded, the world champion first made an alignment error on Catamo's equalizer, before deflecting Alisson Santos' shot into his own goal. At the end of the match, he also simulated against AraĂşjo, coming close to expulsion. These individual errors crystallize collective frustrations.
OM: De Zerbi, Pavard, Aubameyang… tensions flare after Lisbon
De Zerbi's divisive choices
The exit of Mason Greenwood at half-time, despite an excellent first period, raised eyebrows. Samir Nasri criticized the “lack of audacity” of the coach. Daniel Riolo was more direct: “De Zerbi’s match management is completely unsuccessful.”
These external criticisms inevitably have internal echoes. How did Greenwood experience his substitution after a contested half? The move to a five-man defense against a single striker raises questions.
Leonardo Balerdi, the captain, should have been sent off in the 4th minute for a foul on Luis Suárez. That the leader of the group comes close to exclusion before Emerson sabotages the collective efforts with his simulation creates a vague hierarchy of responsibilities.
Two opposing visions
The post-match statements illustrate the unease. Aubameyang vehemently accuses the referees. Timothy Weah refuses to dramatize: “In the first half, we had a big match”. These two divergent approaches – one which avoids responsibility, the other which accepts it – are the breeding ground for rising tensions.
Two months ago, Rabiot and Rowe clashed, leading to the departure of the French midfielder. Today, after this defeat which breaks five consecutive victories, the risks of relapse are real. De Zerbi will have to re-weld quickly.
