At a recent press conference, Roberto De Zerbi, the coach of the Olympique de Marseille, addressed the issue of the game system set up within the team. The Italian coach expressed his preference for a four-way defence, an approach that he has historically used successfully, notably in Italy and during his experiences in Sassuolo and Brighton, stressing that it allows him to structure a position game, vertical possession and coordinated movements. However, he acknowledged that the constraints of the current workforce, including prolonged absences and structural fragility, had led him to adapt his tactical plans, making it difficult to immediately apply his preferred game scheme.

Recognizing the importance of adaptability, De Zerbi stated that a knowledgeable coach must be able to modify his strategies based on available resources. He stressed that the priority is to capitalize on the forces of the current team, rather than lock themselves in a tactical dogma. This pragmatic approach demonstrates a willingness to maximize the potential of the workforce, even if it involves temporarily moving away from its ideal vision of the game.

Finally, Roberto De Zerbi suggested a vision for the future, expressing his wish to return to a four-way defence if the team was reinforced by players adapted to this system next season. This projection, although still hypothetical, reflects a clear ambition and a deep conviction as to the relevance of this tactical configuration for the success of the Olympique de Marseille. In the meantime, he continues to deal with the means at his disposal, while keeping in mind his ultimate goal.