Mason Greenwood has been dropped by Roberto De Zerbi after the Marseille manager admitted he was unimpressed with the Englishman.
The former Manchester United prospect has had a productive season for the French giants so far, scoring 15 goals in 24 matches to emerge as one of the standout players in Ligue 1.
That said, Greenwood remains a far less influential asset when it comes to Marseille's open play, especially when it comes to his defensive duties.
And while he has scored three goals in his last five appearances, his finishing prowess has not spared him from being axed from Marseille's starting lineup for tonight's clash against RC Lens, days after manager De Zerbi blasted his lacklustre performances.
While reiterating his delight at having Greenwood at his disposal, the ex-Brighton boss highlighted his dissatisfaction at the player last week.
'I wanted him here, I said it over and over again,' De Zerbi said, reflecting on Greenwood's arrival last summer.
'He was the first player I contacted, even before I signed for OM. I had already spoken to his father. No one can have more respect for him than I do,.
'But that doesn't change anything: I expect more from him. He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough.
'If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.
'Otherwise, we as a ream always fall back into the same pattern: a very good match, then a defeat at Auxerre, then a victory against Nantes… It's too irregular, it's like waves. And that's something I don't like.'
After emerging as one of Man United's brightest young talents, he left the club officially last summer after he was arrested in January 2022 before being charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.
Charges against Greenwood were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service following the 'withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light'.
After being banished by the United squad, Greenwood reignited his career on loan at Spanish outfit Getafe last season, where he bagged 10 goals and six assists.
He was also cast out by the England setup, leading him to formally apply to switch allegiance to Steve McClaren's Jamaica.
Cachoup
1
De Zerbi is an ingreat, you see who has scored 15 goals for you in only 24 matches and you are not worshipping him. if only Amorim can have such a person in his team you will see how to be greatful.😂
Butabdenoz
1
idiot manager this discussion should be with the player not the media
Miraclekings
0
England players are all lazy footballers only the wise will understand what di zerbi is complaining about in greenwood similar situation in Man U right now
Kedanruz
0
Well they will lose ciz goals wins matches
//Saulawa27
0
He has gone with united DNA of inconsistence.
U hardly understand English bro, do u? How was he not consistent? He’s lamenting on the team general performance recently, not demeaning the goalscoring prowess of Mason but his defensive one. How can a person that scored 15 goals in 24 and assist as many, be inconsistent? #Are u ok sir!
sandafoxiry7
1
U dropped him and you lost to lens, u are a joke sir. U don't drop ur star player Bcos he doesn't defend. Dropping him means ur chances of scoring is low.
oladipooluwasayo
0
He trying to explain why he lost the match… werey, someone score 15 goals in 24 match. Is this coach mad ni
Keebelnoy
1
U are nothing de zerbi
cj1
2
You are ungrateful coach, sorry for u
samuelking007
2
Nonsense do u now win the match U were beaten by Lens 0-1
MwenePuta
1
Such managers are enemies of progress of the team!!!! Leave personal issues aside when you want a team progress. He must ask Amorim for advice!!!!
Muebcdkruz
3
This is garbage
Weoabclmsy
2
He is only human, De Zerbi.
GeraldNdyagumaGerald
2
He has gone with united DNA of inconsistence.