Olympique de Marseille kicked off their season with a resounding 5-1 victory against Stade Brestois, marking an impressive start to Roberto De Zerbi’s tenure as head coach. However, despite the lopsided scoreline, the match wasn’t without its challenges for Les Phocéens.
Brest enjoyed a significant share of possession, particularly in the opening half, but their dominance failed to translate into goals. Marseille’s success was largely driven by their clinical finishing, capitalizing on swift counterattacks to secure the win. A standout performance came from Argentine goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, making his debut for the club. Rulli was called upon multiple times and capped off his strong showing with a crucial penalty save, denying Romain Del Castillo from the spot.
De Zerbi Calls for Improvement in Ball Control
Following the match, De Zerbi offered a balanced assessment of his team’s performance. While he praised the attacking play, he was quick to highlight areas that still need refinement, particularly in terms of possession and ball retention. “We’re pleased with the outcome and the start of the season,” De Zerbi said, “but there’s still plenty of room for growth, especially in how we handle the ball and press our opponents. We were too quick to surrender possession to Brest.”
Although Marseille’s counterattack was effective, De Zerbi clarified that this wasn’t the team’s intended style. “No, counterattacking isn’t our goal. We did score, and that fits our style, but when it comes to controlling the game, managing possession, and dictating play, there’s much more we need to achieve. The top teams always dominate possession,” the coach explained.
Emphasis on Defensive and Attacking Balance
De Zerbi also stressed the need for more assertiveness, particularly in the early stages of the match. Players like Pol Lirola, Quentin Merlin, Derek Cornelius, and Amir Murillo were singled out as having the potential to better manage the ball in both defensive and offensive phases. “We were too passive in the first half. The players need to be more decisive, not only in attacking space and finishing chances but also in maintaining possession with confidence,” De Zerbi noted.
The coach acknowledged that suffering under pressure is part of the game, especially when the opposition earns it, but he emphasized the importance of defending with humility and improving in key areas. “We have to work on many aspects, but this is just the beginning. There’s a lot of progress to be made, and we’re ready to put in the effort,” he concluded.
Marseille’s strong offensive display has set a positive tone for the season, but De Zerbi’s message is clear: the foundation is there, but the journey to consistency and control is just beginning.
