OM: De Zerbi drops a football lesson before Lille

On the eve of the clash between OM and Lille, Roberto De Zerbi spoke at a press conference, offering an overview of his vision of football and his expectations for his team. The Italian coach, true to his passionate approach, emphasized essential elements such as mental strength, the involvement of substitutes and the importance of facing each challenge seriously.

For De Zerbi, tactical plans are not enough to explain a team’s performance: “The most important thing in football is the mind. This comes before 4-3-3 or 3-4-3.” He also emphasizes individualities as the basis of a solid collective, stating: “I don’t believe in a good collective, but rather in good individuals who form a good collective.”

Total mobilization before the truce: De Zerbi does not let up

The OM coach wants to keep his entire group mobilized, including the substitutes. He cited Koum, Koné, Brassier and Rowe as examples of players he counts on: “I work so that they have the level to play more. It’s performance that determines our place.”

Against Lille, De Zerbi refuses any relaxation: “Lille is an important test. If we are the OM who played against Monaco, that could be an advantage. If we are the one who played against Auxerre, it won’t change anything.”

Wahi and the importance of individual potential

The Italian coach also mentioned Eli Wahi, one of the club’s gems. “He’s a big boy, a big player with huge potential. I want to work so he can improve.” Words which demonstrate the confidence he places in his young talents.

A little earlier in the day, Valentin Rongier, present at a press conference before his coach, also provided an overview of De Zerbi’s central role within the group. Asked about the personality of the Italian coach, he did not hesitate:

“If I had to define it in one word, it would be passion. It’s almost sickly, he breathes and eats football.” A passion that inspires not only its players but also its staff, strengthening the identity of an OM in search of consistency.