Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi threatens resignation as home woes continue

Roberto De Zerbi declared he was "ready to leave" Olympique de Marseille after his team suffered a 3-1 home defeat to AJ Auxerre on Friday night. De Zerbi's side had won only one of their five home games, leaving the Italian coach frustrated and questioning his future with the club.

In Short

• Roberto De Zerbi declared he was ready to leave Olympique de Marseille
• De Zerbi's side had won only one of their five home games in Ligue 1
• De Zerbi willing to step down if considered an obstacle by the management

Olympique de Marseille's head coach Roberto De Zerbi has cast doubt on his future at the club following a 3-1 home defeat to AJ Auxerre on Friday night, marking a continued streak of poor home performances. The loss has intensified frustrations within Marseille's camp, with De Zerbi expressing willingness to step down if he's perceived as a hindrance by the club's management.

Despite Marseille holding second place in Ligue 1, their form at the Stade Velodrome has been a glaring weakness, with only one win in five home league games this season. The recent setback follows another loss at the Velodrome, in which Marseille allowed three goals, further heightening the pressure on De Zerbi and his squad.

De Zerbi, who took over at Marseille after leaving Brighton last summer, was notably frank in his post-match remarks. "I have to take responsibility for this home defeat," De Zerbi admitted. "We have difficulties at home, that's clear. I don't know if it's a lack of courage or personality." Frustrated with the team's inability to translate their training form into home performances, he didn't shy away from suggesting that he could leave. "If I'm the problem, I'm ready to leave. I'll leave the money and hand back my contract," he stated.

The Italian manager has emphasized his connection to the Velodrome, noting his intention to build a strong, dynamic team capable of competing with the best. "I came to Marseille for the Velodrome, to play at the Velodrome. And I can't get the players to give here what I see in training and in away games. It's my fault, it's my responsibility."

The defeat leaves Marseille six points behind league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who could extend their lead with an expected win against Angers on Saturday. For De Zerbi, the home-ground inconsistencies have been particularly disheartening. "Playing at the Velodrome is a privilege," he stated. "I have to transfer my passion for football to the players."

De Zerbi has highlighted contrasting performances, recalling the team's resilience in tough away fixtures against Toulouse, Montpellier, and Nantes. But home matches have remained a challenge, with Marseille struggling to replicate that fighting spirit before their own fans.

Despite his frustrations, De Zerbi is still optimistic about Marseille's potential to secure a top-four finish-an improvement over last season's eighth-place ending. However, he remains clear that personal fulfillment and team harmony mean more to him than titles alone. "We can't talk about this second place. I have to be able to give, to transmit something. I live for things that transcend football. I repeat, if I'm the problem, I have to leave. Money is nothing to me. It's the gratification of the work that is important."