Olympique de Marseille president Pablo Longoria explained that Roberto de Zerbi’s situation was ‘very clear’ with a year and a half left on the Italian’s contract — running until June 2027. Speaking to the media on the occasion of his traditional mid-season press conference, the 39-year-old executive once again expressed his desire to see his coach settle in for the long term in the South of France.
“With Roberto, the situation is very clear,” Longoria said. “Everyone at the club wants him to stay here for many years to come. I hope he will be OM’s manager for as long as I am here. I am more than happy with him. He is the ideal coach for Marseille. Every day I am happier to be able to work with him. He could be on many lists of the best European coaches.”
Arriving in Marseille in the summer of 2024 after two seasons as Brighton manager, De Zerbi led his team to second place in Ligue 1 and qualified them for the Champions League following a two-year absence. Currently third in the league, five points behind leaders Lens, OM also sit 16th in the Champions League standings and look well placed to secure a spot in the play-offs.
When asked about potential discussions regarding the extension of his bench player’s contract, Longoria however believes that this is “not the best time to talk about his future”, while reaffirming his satisfaction with working with De Zerbi. “He is starting to speak French, which is a good sign of his adaptation and his prospects. And I will of course seek to align myself with his ambition, which is very important.”
Earlier in December, De Zerbi had expressed his desire to become “one of the most important coaches in the history of Olympique de Marseille.”
