Roberto De Zerbi addresses criticism that joining Marseille was ‘a step-down’

Roberto De Zerbi surprised the footballing world in June when it became clear that he was on the verge of joining Olympique de Marseille from Brighton and Hove Albion. The manager’s time at the English club was over and he had scheduled a departure at the end of the season, but his future destination was more associated with the likes of Manchester United and FC Barcelona rather than a tumultuous Marseille.

It was a move that was widely greeted in France as an exciting moment for the league with one of the country’s biggest clubs gaining an elite manager worthy of their prestigious history as the only French team to have won the Champions League. However, there was some criticism, particularly in England, that suggested that a move from the Premier League to Ligue 1 was a step down for De Zerbi.

In a wide-ranging interview with L’Équipe, De Zerbi was asked to address this criticism. “I started my coaching career in the fifth tier of Italian football, one year in Shakhtar Donetsk and the Champions League, two years in the Premier League, finishing sixth once. Coming to Marseille today is a step forward,” the manager explained.

He continued, “Everyone knows that the Premier League is the best championship in the world because the English know how to sell their product. I saw so many Ligue 1 matches last year from Marseille, but also from Paris Saint-Germain, RC Lens, and Stade Brestois. I know the demands of this championship.”