This Sunday at 8:45pm (UTC+1) Paris Saint-Germain (1st) take on Olympique de Marseille (2nd) Parc des Princes as part of the 26th day of Ligue 1 2024-2025. In a press conference, Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi spoke about the match and his side’s opponents.
De Zerbi “Even if we lose this weekend, there’s no reason to panic”.
“Even if we lose this weekend, there’s no reason to panic. We’ve got nothing to lose. They have two legs and two arms like us. We have to look them in the eye. If you come to OM, it’s to play this match. It’s worth three points, but much more for all of us. I’ve already made up my mind, so we mustn’t get carried away. You have to know how to suffer when you face PSG, and we’ll all have to do that and be patient. We’ll have to get our hands dirty.
De Zerbi: “PSG have managed to make a quantum leap in mental quality under Luis Enrique”.
In the first leg, we didn’t do what we should have done in the opening minutes. Then the match was distorted by the sending-off. PSG have managed to make a quantum leap in mental quality with Luis Enrique. I’d like to do the same here: take a step forward mentally.”
For OM, it’s more than just the big jump. Watching PSG rack up success after success can’t be easy for Marseille fans. And yet, this match, even if it is unbalanced on paper, could well be a summit in Ligue 1. PSG can be surprised by Marseille’s desire to do well. Of course, Luis Enrique’s men will know that this match is crucial for their fans.
Although 16 points separate the two teams, it’s still important for PSG. We need to keep on not losing, keep on widening the gap and build up confidence for this thrilling end to the season. At the same time, the gap can also make PSG a little less focused in Ligue 1.
The Champions League is on everyone’s lips, and Paris has also given itself the right to manage in France. Yet this match against Marseille is one of the most important of the season. Challenging the rival is one of the first things on PSG’s calendar. Let’s hope the players are as hungry as the fans.