Olympique de Marseille has parted ways with manager Roberto De Zerbi by mutual consent following a series of disappointing results. The Italian's exit comes after the club's early elimination from the UEFA Champions League and a heavy defeat in Le Classique. De Zerbi had expressed high ambitions for the team earlier in the season.
The departure of Roberto De Zerbi from Olympique de Marseille marks the end of a challenging period for the club. De Zerbi's tenure began with optimism, but a pivotal moment came during the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. OM traveled to Belgium to face Club Brugge, holding their fate in their own hands for a play-off spot. Only a significant defeat combined with unfavorable results elsewhere would eliminate them. However, Marseille suffered a 3-0 loss to Club Brugge, while Anatoliy Trubin’s performances helped Benfica defeat Real Madrid, resulting in OM's exit from the competition.
Earlier, after losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in the Trophée des Champions, De Zerbi addressed the dressing room with confidence. According to L’Équipe, he stated, “with what you showed this evening, I am sure that we can go to the semi-finals in the Champions League.” This vision of reaching the semi-finals quickly faded.
The Champions League elimination triggered further struggles. Days later, Les Phocéens squandered a two-goal lead against Paris FC. A victory over Stade Rennais in the Coupe de France provided temporary relief, but it was short-lived. On Sunday, Marseille endured a record 5-0 defeat in Le Classique against Paris Saint-Germain, which ultimately sealed De Zerbi's fate.
The club, plunged into crisis, saw De Zerbi's ambitious plans evaporate amid these setbacks. The mutual consent agreement ends his time at OM, where he had hoped to lead the team to greater heights in European competition.
