The Mediterranean sun continues to bake the vibrant city of Marseille, yet the heat this summer isn`t solely from the climate. An air of renewed optimism, tinged with a familiar sense of ambitious defiance, permeates Olympique de Marseille. Freshly qualified for the UEFA Champions League group stage and bolstered by promising new arrivals such as Angel Gomes, Facundo Medina, and CJ-Egan Riley – with the tantalizing prospect of a proven Ligue 1 goalscorer in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – the stage is set for a season of elevated expectations.
The Elephant in the Room: Parisian Dominance
Despite the palpable excitement, the cold reality of French football`s landscape remains stark. Olympique de Marseille, a club steeped in rich history and fervent support, hasn`t claimed a league title in thirteen years. Meanwhile, across the country, Paris Saint-Germain`s formidable grip on both domestic and, increasingly, European football tightens with each passing season. The financial disparity is vast, the talent pool seemingly endless for the Parisian giants, creating a duopoly where one club reigns supreme, and the rest vie for the scraps.
Yet, amidst this seemingly insurmountable challenge, a pragmatic and intensely competitive voice emerges. Roberto De Zerbi, the Italian tactician at the helm of OM, has voiced a clear, albeit audacious, objective for his second season: to “compete better” with Luis Enrique`s PSG.
“We want to compete with Paris better than we did last season. I`m not saying that PSG is a bigger club than OM. I`m saying they`ve been stronger than us up until now.”
This statement, delivered during Marseille`s pre-season preparations in Holland, is less a boast and more a shrewd assessment. De Zerbi, known for his transformative work at Brighton & Hove Albion, where his second season notably propelled them into European competition, understands the trajectory required. That Brighton journey, however, also offered lessons in the frustrations that can accompany high expectations. At Marseille, the stakes are undeniably higher, and the Parisian colossus looms larger than any English counterpart.
The Classique Conundrum: A Rivalry Redefined?
One of the most intriguing aspects of De Zerbi`s tenure is his refreshingly candid perspective on the legendary `Classique` – the hotly contested fixture between OM and PSG. With Paris Saint-Germain having secured 19 victories in the last 23 encounters, alongside three draws and a solitary win for Marseille, the term `Classique` has, for many, become a misnomer. De Zerbi himself doesn`t shy away from this uncomfortable truth.
“For me, that`s not a Classico. But if you want to keep talking about the Classico, go ahead.”
This dismissive remark isn`t born of disrespect for the rivalry`s historical significance, but rather a frank acknowledgment of its current imbalance. Indeed, the Italian coach was quick to praise Luis Enrique`s achievements, particularly last season where PSG, even without the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, or Neymar in key moments, displayed a more cohesive team identity. “In that respect, Luis Enrique has been extraordinary,” De Zerbi conceded, highlighting a tactical admiration that transcends club loyalties.
Battling Inconsistency and Personal “Excesses”
De Zerbi`s blueprint for challenging PSG isn`t solely about external factors; it`s also a deep dive into Marseille`s intrinsic characteristics. “We have a real team too, but with ups and downs,” he observed, pinpointing the mercurial nature that has often defined OM`s performances. The objective is clear: eliminate these fluctuations, which he notes are “typical of Marseille.”
Intriguingly, he doesn`t exempt himself from this analytical self-reflection. “And perhaps typical of me too, because I’m guilty of excesses myself,” he admitted. This rare blend of ambition and humility, a willingness to acknowledge personal contributions to instability, paints a picture of a coach deeply invested in continuous improvement, both for his team and for himself. It suggests a tactical mind that understands that true excellence often begins with confronting one`s own limitations, or indeed, “excesses.”
The Road Ahead: A Season of Intrigue
As the new season dawns, Roberto De Zerbi`s Marseille project offers one of the most compelling narratives in French football. Can a coach with a proven track record of elevating clubs, and a refreshing honesty about the prevailing power dynamics, genuinely upset the established order? The task is monumental, the odds stacked, but De Zerbi`s calm defiance and strategic focus suggest a team that, while respecting its formidable opponent, is certainly not resigned to second best. The challenge to PSG is formally laid, and the football world watches with keen interest to see if Marseille can transform a one-sided affair into a true Classique once more.
