The slap received in Bruges (3-0) did not only eliminate OM from the Champions League. It triggered a bazooka exit from Medhi Benatia and a devastated confession from Roberto De Zerbi. In the corridors of the stadium, the words were even harder than the score.
The Marseille sports director did not try to smooth the corners. “I want it to have consequences for the rest of the season,” he says first, before driving the point home: “A shitty evening, even shameful. You can lose matches, but not like tonight. » For him, it is not an accident but “a recurring problem”. And the observation is brutal: “We must ask the supporters for forgiveness… Tonight, it’s a professional mistake. »
Benatia refuses to hear the slightest excuse
Benatia refuses to hear the slightest tactical excuse. “All week, we knew they were going to start strong. If there is a player in the box and there are four of us looking at him, it is not the coach’s fault. » He’s clearly aiming for the attitude: “You don’t win a duel against a team with an average age of 20-22… To speak we’re good, but on the pitch, I can’t accept that. » And he warns: “If I find this team against Rennes, we will take five too. »
Subsequently, Roberto De Zerbi also blamed the blow. “I’m ashamed,” admits the coach. “We can’t start a historic match like that. This is not possible. » Lucid, he admits: “In my opinion, we had to lose… We lost logically. » But he broadens the responsibility: “I am the one responsible, but we all need to examine our consciences. » Between “shame”, “professional misconduct” and “consequences”, the message is clear: beyond the elimination, it is Marseille’s pride that has been affected.
To summarize
After the elimination of OM in Bruges, Medhi Benatia and Roberto De Zerbi strongly criticized the players. Benatia speaks of “shame” and “professional misconduct”, demanding consequences. De Zerbi, also ashamed, assumes his share of responsibility and calls for a collective examination of conscience.
