Roberto De Zerbi Marseille Revolution: The Coach with ‘Something of Guardiola’ About Him
From Impossible Dream to Reality on the Mediterranean
When Pablo Longoria first called Roberto De Zerbi last summer, even the Marseille president admitted it felt like a long shot. The Italian tactician had just left Brighton after transforming them into one of the Premier League’s most exciting sides. At the time, the idea of luring a manager so highly regarded across Europe to the south of France seemed fanciful at best.
But somehow, Longoria convinced him. And now, just a few months later, it looks like the gamble of the year. Marseille have not only steadied the ship under De Zerbi, they’ve climbed to the top of Ligue 1 and are back in the Champions League – something supporters had been dreaming about for years.
What makes De Zerbi such a fascinating figure is how he has managed to bring a modern, progressive style of football to one of Europe’s most passionate and demanding clubs – and make it work almost instantly.
De Zerbi – Pep’s Disciple, But With His Own Twist
The comparisons to Pep Guardiola are impossible to avoid, and they go beyond just tactics. The two are friends and share a football philosophy built around precision, courage and total commitment to attacking play. Guardiola has openly admitted that he has learned from De Zerbi, which is no small compliment coming from one of the greatest managers in history.
Before he even set foot in England, De Zerbi had spent time shadowing Guardiola, watching training sessions, and exchanging ideas between his spells at Shakhtar Donetsk and Brighton. It’s clear he has taken inspiration from the Catalan, but he is no copycat. De Zerbi’s sides play with a unique intensity – there’s a touch more chaos, more daring risk-taking in the way they build from the back and attack.
Benatia Reveals the 2am Conversations
Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia is one of De Zerbi’s biggest admirers. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, the former Juventus and Bayern Munich defender described the Italian as “beautiful and inspiring” and admitted he has been stunned by the coach’s passion for the game.
“He’s got something of Guardiola in him,” Benatia said. “But believe me, he’s a unique coach. He breathes football and he breathes life – in that order.”
Benatia also revealed that De Zerbi’s work rate borders on obsessive. “We talk until two in the morning, often on video calls because he wants to see people face-to-face. It can be at any time. His attention to detail is relentless. He lives and breathes every aspect of this job.”
Breaking PSG’s Long-Standing Dominance
That win wasn’t just about bragging rights – it was a statement of intent. Under De Zerbi, Marseille no longer fear the Parisian giants. They are ready to go toe-to-toe with anyone in France.
Flying High in Ligue 1
Marseille have built on that momentum. Just days after the PSG scalp, they edged past Strasbourg 2-1 to climb to the top of the Ligue 1 table with 12 points from six matches. Sure, it’s still early in the season and the standings could shift quickly, but there’s a sense around the club that something special is brewing.
Marseille, a club known for its volatility and constant drama, suddenly looks stable, cohesive, and united. De Zerbi has brought a level of tactical clarity and emotional connection that has been missing for years.
A Club Reborn
When you watch Marseille under De Zerbi, you see a team playing with bravery, composure, and a real sense of purpose. They build from the back, they press with intensity, and they attack with flair – all hallmarks of a side that believes in its coach’s message.
And perhaps most importantly, the fans believe too. The Velodrome is alive again, filled with noise and optimism. Supporters sense they are no longer just spectators to PSG’s dominance; they are participants in a genuine title race.
What Comes Next
The road ahead will not be simple. Competing in Ligue 1 while also balancing the demands of the Champions League will test Marseille’s depth and consistency. But with De Zerbi at the helm, there’s a feeling that this club is finally heading in the right direction.
For Medhi Benatia, those late-night calls seem to be worth every minute. For Longoria, the risk of chasing what once felt impossible has turned into one of the smartest moves of his tenure. And for the Marseille faithful, Roberto De Zerbi might just be the man who restores them to their rightful place at the top of French football.
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