Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear he won’t return to coach in France after his Marseille team suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss away to Auxerre.
The defeat leaves Marseille sitting a disappointing ten points behind league leaders PSG, with little hope of catching up.
The result left De Zerbi seething with anger, especially after a key refereeing decision in the game.
Referee Controversy Sparks Fury
The Italian manager couldn’t contain his frustration when discussing the match’s officiating, particularly a controversial second yellow card handed to Marseille defender Derek Cornelius.
The decision came at a time when Marseille were trailing 1-0 and desperately trying to find a way back into the match.
De Zerbi was quick to voice his displeasure, stating, “I’m Italian, and after OM (Marseille), I’m not going to coach in France again.”
He continued, expressing his discontent with the level of refereeing in Ligue 1, calling it “scandalous” and suggesting that if the French were happy with such decisions, then that was on them.
Club’s Complaints About Referee Selection
De Zerbi’s anger wasn’t the only reaction from Marseille’s camp.
The club had already lodged a formal complaint to the board of arbitration before the match, objecting to referee Jérémy Stinat’s appointment.
The complaint stemmed from Stinat’s involvement in a previous controversy, which led to the suspension of Marseille’s director of football, Medhi Benatia.
The club felt Stinat’s selection was inappropriate, considering the history.
Club President Joins in Criticism
Marseille’s president, Pablo Longoria, was equally furious after the match.
According to reports from La Provence, he was visibly upset in front of the press, claiming that the entire situation seemed “planned” and “rigged.”
He pointed out a questionable penalty decision and argued that several European referees had messaged him about a potential foul on player Merlin.
Longoria didn’t hold back, calling Ligue 1 a “sh***y championship” and even suggested that if the Super League were to come calling, Marseille would leave for it without hesitation.
De Zerbi and Longoria’s Shared Frustrations
Both De Zerbi and Longoria made it clear that the loss was not just a sporting disappointment but a deeper frustration with the state of refereeing and the perceived unfairness in the league.
As tensions rise in Ligue 1, it seems unlikely that De Zerbi’s feelings toward French football will change anytime soon.
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