Speaking at a press conference on Friday, De Zerbi refuted claims that he is in talks with other clubs, insisting that his focus remains on Marseille.
“I am not flirting with any team,” he said. “At the moment, I have no desire to leave. My intention is to stay here for many years. Since it takes two to make a marriage, we still need to see a lot of things, and how we finish in the league.”
Turmoil Behind the Scenes?
While Marseille sits third in Ligue 1, on course for Champions League qualification, the team has hit a rough patch, losing four of its last five matches. Reports from French outlet L'Équipe suggest that De Zerbi’s strict methods have led to tension in the dressing room, with some players questioning his authoritative approach.
The alleged discord came to a head after a recent loss to Reims, where De Zerbi reportedly refused to lead a training session, leaving it to his coaching staff. Marseille’s director of football reportedly had to step in to defuse the situation.
However, De Zerbi downplayed the controversy, defending his leadership style:
“I know when it’s time to hug my players and when it’s time to be a little stronger. I’m not afraid, I’m ready to do anything for my job. That’s what I want to pass on to the team. I don’t want everyone’s approval, but everything has to be done at 100%.”
AC Milan Speculation Grows
Meanwhile, La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that De Zerbi is a top candidate to take over at AC Milan, alongside Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte. With Stefano Pioli’s future uncertain, Milan is expected to make a managerial change this summer.
Despite his public commitment to Marseille, De Zerbi’s future remains uncertain, especially given the club’s history of instability. Since American owner Frank McCourt took over in 2016, Marseille has cycled through numerous coaching changes, making it one of the most volatile managerial positions in French football.
Marseille's Struggles for Stability
Once a dominant force in French football, Marseille has struggled for consistency in recent years. The club last won the Ligue 1 title in 2010 and missed out on European football entirely after finishing eighth last season. Additionally, Marseille holds the record for the most managerial changes among top-flight French clubs since 2000.
With a crucial match against Toulouse on Sunday and Champions League qualification at stake, De Zerbi will be looking to steady the ship amid the off-field distractions. Whether he remains in charge beyond this season, however, is a question that only time will answer.