Roberto De Zerbi reveals how working with Mason Greenwood and his father in Marseille helped the striker bounce back from criticism with two goals against Montpellier

Roberto De Zerbi, the manager of Marseille, has been open about the key factors contributing to Mason Greenwood’s impressive return to form.

The young striker’s recent performance has been a hot topic, especially following his two-goal display in a dominant 5-1 victory over Montpellier at the Stade Velodrome.

This win not only boosted Marseille’s chances in the Champions League race but also showcased Greenwood’s growing confidence and impact on the pitch.

Overcoming Challenges and External Criticism

Greenwood’s performance came at a time when his commitment and attitude were under intense scrutiny.

The forward had faced criticism over his work rate, which had even led to frustration within the team, including with De Zerbi.

To add fuel to the fire, some Marseille fans unfurled a banner in the north end of the Velodrome, directly calling out Greenwood and his teammate, Luis Henrique, urging them to “get moving.”

Despite these external pressures, Greenwood answered the critics with his best performance yet, silencing doubts about his capabilities.

In the wake of the match, De Zerbi shared insights into how he has been working with Greenwood to build up his confidence and help him rediscover his best form.

A Holistic Approach to Player Development

De Zerbi explained that his work with Greenwood has been a long-term effort, not something tackled only in moments of crisis.

“It’s not something I work on in the moment, during a time when it’s more complicated. I work all season to help the players,” De Zerbi explained.

He went on to emphasize that Greenwood’s recent struggles were not only due to his form but also the two years he spent away from top-level football.

“He’s very young (23 years old), and being out of action for two years is complicated,” said the manager, adding that Greenwood had previously played for Getafe, a team battling relegation, which presented its own challenges.

The Role of Family Support and Managing Expectations

De Zerbi also acknowledged the significant role Greenwood’s family, especially his father, has played in his development.

“He has a wonderful family around him, an extraordinary father with whom I worked a lot,” said De Zerbi.

The manager highlighted that Greenwood is somewhat introverted, which can impact his progression on the pitch.

But, with his father’s help and the support of his teammates, including the guidance of Mehdi Benatia, Greenwood is gradually finding his way.

De Zerbi pointed out that while Greenwood has the potential to score goals at will, sometimes he underperforms relative to his abilities.

“He gives us the impression that he can score three or four goals per game, but sometimes he wastes a little of his potential,” De Zerbi observed.

Balancing encouragement with constructive criticism, De Zerbi explained that his approach to Greenwood’s development includes both nurturing and pushing him to excel.

Greenwood’s Impressive Performance Against Montpellier

Greenwood’s two goals in the win over Montpellier were a testament to his growing confidence and ability to perform under pressure.

He scored the opening goal with a penalty in the eighth minute, then doubled his tally in the 67th minute.

This performance brought his Ligue 1 goal tally for the season to 18, with only Ousmane Dembélé of PSG having scored more goals (21) in the league.

A Controversial Past and New Beginnings

Greenwood’s journey to this point has not been without controversy.

After emerging as one of Manchester United’s most promising young talents, he was arrested in January 2022 on charges of attempted rape, assault, and controlling behavior.

The charges were later dropped when key witnesses withdrew and new evidence came to light.

Following this, Greenwood made the decision to leave Manchester United and apply to switch his international allegiance from England to Jamaica, marking the next step in his football career.

What’s Next for Mason Greenwood?

As Greenwood continues to make strides in his comeback, both his personal and professional future remain closely watched.

His progress under De Zerbi’s guidance could be pivotal not just for Marseille but also for Greenwood’s own potential return to international football, where he aims to represent Jamaica in the future.