Roberto De Zerbi breaks silence amid Marseille sack claims

Manchester United’s ongoing managerial situation has ensured that developments across Europe continue to attract attention.

With Ruben Amorim dismissed earlier this month and Michael Carrick appointed as interim head coach until the end of the season, speculation has persisted around several high-profile managers previously linked with Old Trafford.

One of those names has been Roberto De Zerbi, following reports in France that his position at Olympique Marseille has come under pressure.

Those claims intensified after Marseille’s UEFA Champions League exit, prompting questions over the Italian’s future and sparking renewed links to clubs monitoring the situation from afar.

De Zerbi has now addressed the speculation directly.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Marseille’s French Ligue 1 clash with Paris FC, the OM head coach moved to firmly dismiss suggestions that he could be on the brink of departure, insisting he remains fully committed to the club and confident in his ability to lead the project long-term.

“I’m staying at Olympique Marseille,” De Zerbi said.

“I am strong enough to stay at least five or six years here. The players are with me.”

The 46-year-old acknowledged that the recent defeat in Europe was painful and accepted responsibility for the performance, admitting the manner of the loss had affected him deeply.

However, he was clear that internal discussions with the club’s hierarchy had been constructive rather than confrontational.

“There is no decision to be made,” he explained.

“I am the coach of OM. I’m here at the press conference and I will be on the bench tomorrow.  We analysed what needed to be analysed.”

De Zerbi also stressed that the current challenges are not unique, pointing to previous difficult steps that the club have already navigated together.

Rather than focusing solely on results, he emphasised the importance of performances and cohesion, highlighting the impact of significant squad turnover in recent windows.

“We changed a lot of players,” he said.

“A great team is built on time and understanding. That’s not an excuse, but it is the reality.”

Crucially, the Italian tactician underlined that he retains the full support of his dressing room, dismissing any suggestion of friction following the defeat.

“The players follow me,” he added.

“There is respect. When we lose, everyone loses – the coach, the players, the staff, the club.”

From a Manchester United perspective, his comments are notable.

The former Brighton manager has long been admired for his tactical philosophy and was previously discussed as a potential Premier League candidate, but his insistence on progression in Marseille appears to close the door on any immediate move.

For now, the Red Devil’s focus remains on the remainder of the season under Carrick, while De Zerbi looks to steady Marseille’s campaign and push for consistency.

As speculation continues to swirl elsewhere, the Italian has made his stance clear: he sees his future firmly in Marseille, not as a short-term project, but one he believes he can lead for years to come.