Roberto De Zerbi has threatened Mason Greenwood and his Marseille squad after seeing them claim a notable Classique victory over arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain. A battling win in a rearranged fixture at Stade Velodrome underlined the title credentials of De Zerbi’s side, but he has pointed out that said win will count for little if it does not set a standard for the rest of the season.
Marseille held their own against Real Madrid
Marseille finished as Ligue 1 runners-up in 2024-25, booking them return tickets to the Champions League. They held their own for long periods in a European opener with Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu, with USMNT star Tim Weah firing them in front before going on to suffer an agonising 2-1 defeat against 10 men.
AdvertisementAFPFought off PSG following storm delay
De Zerbi’s team were able to get over the line in their latest outing, with Nayef Aguerd netting the only goal of the game inside five minutes against PSG – in a match that was delayed by 24 hours due to stormy weather conditions in southern France.
Are Marseille Ligue 1 title contenders?
De Zerbi showed plenty of passion in that contest, as he was shown a late red card for arguing with the match officials, and wants to see his players prove that they are capable of challenging for a domestic crown.
GettyDe Zerbi's warning to Greenwood & Co
De Zerbi told reporters of the need to build on victory over PSG, who were without Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele: “This victory should not give anything more to the team. The defeat in Madrid brought us a lot, made us realise that we have strong players. The squad is strong, we know that, but Friday will be even more important than tonight's match. I have already threatened the players, they know it. If we beat Paris and then tap dance against Strasbourg, it means we are not a great team.”