Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi has revealed his views on management and power at clubs, in comments that clearly reveal some scars from his time at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Calciomercato cover comments from the Italian coach today made to the Dodicesimo in Campo broadcast on Seilatv.
He’s currently shining at Marseille, after taking charge of the French club in the summer following his surprise departure from Brighton.
De Zerbi had been in charge of the Seagulls since September 2022 and was highly impressive in his first season, leading Brighton to Europe for the first time.
His second season proved to be more difficult as Brighton struggled with injuries and an increased workload but still managed to finish 11th and just a point outside the top ten.
Few had predicted he would leave but it became apparent that a split had developed between him and Brighton’s upper management on the direction they should take.
That led to his eventual departure and arrival at Marseille, where he appears to be enjoying himself and has them third in Ligue 1.
He appears to be more than happy with his new job but the scars from Brighton, and other previous employment, are clear when he speaks of management and power.
“I have 4-5 values from which I do not compromise. I live by passion, I try every day to be a man who goes his own way while remaining tied to what he was as a child,” he said.
“I am an outspoken person, even if I can’t always say what I would like. I still go straight on my path following the really important things in life.
“In football I found very good people, who became friends for life, but I was also betrayed by collaborators or managers, people inside a club, who used me for personal gain. These are people who are better off having lost along the way.
“I am in love with this sport even if I don’t like that at the top there are people who make decisions without knowing what it means to coach or play. Maradona said it and he was right. Now there are those who say that too much is being played, I say that we should talk to the protagonists before drawing up the calendars. Coaches and players should be able to have more influence because they are the ones who put on the show.”
