"I want to bring Marseille back to where it deserves to be, which means being at the top and fighting for titles." And again: "This crowd, this stadium, this team in Marseille is something special. I hope we do a good job and that people appreciate me as a person and as a coach."
The De Zerbi era has begun in Marseille with a clear goal: after several seasons falling well below expectations and rather tumultuous times, the Italian coach wants to bring OM back to the top in France with the aim of making a splash in Europe as well. The former Brighton manager, who managed to bring the small English club to the Europa League, now has the mission to lift the French giant. Marseille is coming off an eighth-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, despite an impressive run in the Europa League that ended in the semifinals against Gasperini's Atalanta.
De Zerbi's new OM has already seen significant changes in the transfer market, with the clear goal of immediately becoming a protagonist in France. Without European competitions, the Italian coach can focus all his energies on Ligue 1.
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The major summer signing is Mason Greenwood. The English striker was acquired from Manchester United for around 31 million euros (including bonuses) plus 50% of any future resale. The French club has banked on the talent born in 2001, who revived his career on loan in Spain with Getafe. Two midfielders have also joined De Zerbi's squad: 22-year-old Ismael Kone from Watford for over 10 million euros and the experienced Hojbjerg from Tottenham.
The latter is an excellent addition, bringing quality and significant experience to the team. Lastly, another important prospective addition is 22-year-old defender Bamo Meite, who was bought from Lorient for around 10 million euros. However, there have already been significant departures: from Aubameyang, who chose Saudi Arabia, to Correa and Ndiaye. The latter moved to the Premier League, joining Everton for about 18 million euros.
The anticipation is growing for the official debut of the new Marseille. De Zerbi's team will make its Ligue 1 debut on August 18 against Brest.
