The year 2026 did not start well for OM, beaten by Nantes (0-2) on Sunday, after a match finished 9 against 11 after two expulsions. Vermeeren and Nadir will de facto miss the Champions Trophy this Thursday, at 7 p.m., against PSG in Kuwait City. During the traditional press briefing the day before the match, Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi spoke of the reunion with the European champion.
Will the defeat against Nantes have an impact on your choices against PSG?
ROBERTO DE ZERBI. The tactical aspect is very important, but before that there are other things even more important. And if we don’t respect them, tactics take second place. PSG is, in my opinion, the strongest team in Europe. We respect it as we did in the last match that we won (1-0, September 22 in L1). We will have to sacrifice, defend and fight together to keep up the pressure. We have the qualities.
How will you manage to restart the machine?
The match against Nantes was one of the worst but also one of the easiest to analyze. We spoke at length with the players over the last few days and we all admitted that nothing was working tactically. It’s easier to turn the page. We must not fall into controversies which are generally launched by people who do not have all the data.
Do you have a message for OM supporters remaining in France?
You already know what I think about it. I don’t decide, neither do the players, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Kuwait received us very well. We have to give pleasure to our supporters, especially when it comes to such an important and historic game for the club. With humility, we will do everything in our power to make history. We will have to give our best.
Are you reassured about the desire of your players?
With my players, I will go to the death! I have no doubt about their moral qualities, but the game against Nantes was poorly played. The approach has been without energy, without the ferocity that it takes in 2026 to play football. I have the responsibility to stimulate my players so that all the games are played correctly.
This will be your 4th PSG-OM at the head of the Marseille team. What type of match are you expecting?
The only thing I know is that we want to play a game at very high intensity, with extreme ferocity. We’re going to play for something extra (a trophy, Editor’s note), that’s the whole point of this game. We will have to keep our cool to remain disciplined and organized on the pitch.
