Roberto De Zerbi’s relationship with his players had become strained and the Italian knew he was leaving Marseille after the 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports in France.
The Italian, 46, departed the French side with immediate effect on Tuesday, with the club confirming his exit in a statement in the early hours of the morning.
RMC Sport reported De Zerbi and club bosses had come to the conclusion that his position had become untenable shortly after the mauling at the hands of PSG on Sunday.
Marseille chiefs and De Zerbi held late-night talks at his house in the days following the chastening defeat by Luis Enrique’s side but it was decided it was best for him to leave after less than two years in charge, according to the publication.
Citing a ‘close friend’ of the former Brighton boss, RMC Sport said De Zerbi knew his time in France was over ‘on the evening of the match in Paris’, after which he had ‘no answers’ and ‘did not understand his team’.
It had been claimed he was ‘devastated’ at the attitude of his players following the club’s dismal elimination at the first stage of the Champions League, which came after they lost 3-0 at Club Brugge on the final matchday.
The reasons behind Roberto De Zerbi’s departure from Marseille have been revealed
The Italian left the club with immediate effect, with his last match being a 5-0 loss at PSG
RMC Sport said relations with players had become strained, although Marseille bosses are also thought to have blamed the squad for their part in his departure.
De Zerbi was under contract until the summer of 2027, having signed a three-year deal in June 2024, but the French outlet reported he did not asked to be paid out in full.
He has been compensated for the remainder of this season but instead lobbied for his coaching staff to be given greater compensation.
A Marseille statement read: ‘Following discussions between all stakeholders in the club’s management – the owner, president, director of football, and coach – it was decided to make a change at the helm of the first team.
‘This was a difficult collective decision, taken after careful consideration in the best interests of the club, in order to respond to the sporting challenges of the end of the season.
‘Olympique de Marseille would like to thank Roberto De Zerbi for his dedication, commitment, professionalism, and seriousness, which were particularly evident in the team’s second-place finish in the 2024/25 season.
‘The club wishes him all the best for the rest of his career.’
De Zerbi has been linked with the Manchester United job with the club looking to appoint a new head coach in the summer.
He was interviewed by Ineos in May 2024 and considered a leading contender to replace Erik ten Hag before the appointment of Ruben Amorim.
Tottenham had also been touted as a potential destination but Daily Mail Sport understands it is unlikely Spurs will move for the Italian after the sacking of Thomas Frank.
De Zerbi, who guided Marseille to automatic Champions League qualification in his first season in charge, is believed to be keen on a return to the Premier League.
Marseille sporting director, Medhi Benatia, and club president, Pablo Longoria, are said to have told the players they need to prove their worth as they look to revive their season.
They are fourth in Ligue 1, three points behind the Champions League places, and are already out of Europe.
Marseille were dumped out the Champions League with a 3-0 defeat to Club Brugge last month
Benatia is also thought to have clashed with Mason Greenwood, who has been publicly praised for his efforts in France by De Zerbi.
Benatia and the former Man United winger are said to openly ignore one another whenever they cross paths, with the sporting director often a vocal critic of the 24-year-old both on and off the pitch, according to L’Equipe.
The sporting director is thought to have been angry that Greenwood shirked a commercial responsibility last summer with little concerns for the repercussions.
De Zerbi, however, publicly backed Greenwood, claiming his player has become ‘world-class’ after building on ‘what his mother and father taught him’.
The former United forward, 24, left Old Trafford under controversial circumstances in the summer of 2024 but revived his career under De Zerbi, proving an integral part of his first team.
Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 and charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault while playing at United, which led to him being banished from the squad and dropped by England’s national team.
Charges were eventually dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew their involvement, but Greenwood remained in exile at Manchester United before eventually being sold for £26.7million to Marseille.
