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Marseille have gone from coasting towards Champions League qualification to finding themselves embroiled in a fierce battle, but Roberto De Zerbi remains optimistic that his team can handle the pressure and secure a return to Europe’s elite competition.
With Paris Saint-Germain already confirmed as Ligue 1 champions for the fourth consecutive season, the focus in France has shifted to the fight for the remaining Champions League spots. PSG now have a weekend off to prepare for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa.
At least six teams are in contention for the two automatic Champions League places and one spot in the preliminary rounds, with Marseille sitting second, just two points ahead of Monaco, who they will face in a high-stakes match on Saturday, renewing a historic rivalry.
Meanwhile, Strasbourg, Lyon, Nice, and Lille are all within three points of Monaco and ready to capitalise on any slip-ups by the teams above them. Strasbourg and Nice meet on Saturday, while Lille and Lyon face tough away games, with Lyon also preparing for their Europa League quarter-final second leg against Manchester United.
Even Brest and Lens remain in the hunt for European places, but it is Marseille who are attracting the most attention.
Back in mid-February, Marseille were six points clear in second place and 10 points ahead of Lyon in sixth, seemingly cruising towards Champions League qualification. However, four defeats in their next five matches left them facing a more uncertain path.
De Zerbi’s frustration with his squad led to reports in L’Equipe suggesting a potential mutiny, with forward Neal Maupay being forced to deny claims that the players had refused to train.
Despite his annoyance, the former Brighton coach insisted he thrived in the often volatile atmosphere of the Velodrome. His efforts seemed to pay off as Marseille responded with a crucial 3-2 win over Toulouse last weekend, featuring stunning goals from Mason Greenwood and Adrien Rabiot.
“I am satisfied when the team gives everything,” De Zerbi said after the victory. “We can lose, we can win, we can make mistakes, but we must give everything.”
With Marseille now back in second, the pressure is shifting to Monaco, who are coming off a 2-1 defeat at Brest. A loss for Monaco at the Stade Louis II would see them fall five points behind Marseille.
Both clubs, who were the dominant forces in French football during the late 1980s and early 1990s, are pinning their hopes on Champions League qualification next season.
“The most important thing is that we have our future in our own hands,” said Monaco coach Adi Huetter. “It is up to us to seize the opportunity.”
