Marseille’s Turmoil: A Call for Psychological Resilience

omidbasir- Following a humiliating 5-0 defeat to rivals Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille finds itself grappling with significant instability following the recent departures of two key figures. Manager Roberto De Zerbi stepped down earlier this week, and Sunday marked the official exit of director of football Medhi Benatia. Amidst this turmoil, frustrated supporters recently stormed the presidential suites at the stadium, demanding accountability for a season that appears to be spiraling out of control.

Adil Rami, who represented Marseille from 2017 to 2019, believes that the issues plaguing the Velodrome are fundamentally psychological. In his role as a consultant for Ligue 1+, the veteran defender articulated that the pressure associated with playing for such an emotionally charged club often becomes a hindrance rather than an advantage. “Sometimes, to be honest, we play with fear, even when we win,” Rami admitted while reflecting on the current squad’s struggles to maintain leads. He posited that the weight of expectation has created a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure during matches.

Rami explained, “We start to think negatively, saying to ourselves, ‘Well, we’re winning 2-0, but if we concede one, we’re finished.’ It’s serious to think like that.” He suggested that this persistent anxiety is a major factor contributing to Marseille’s difficulties in the transfer market. “That’s why some players hesitate to sign for Marseille—they are afraid. One must possess a mental fortitude to embrace this magnificent club,” he added.

The recent chaos follows De Zerbi’s contentious departure, whose tenure was characterized by tactical innovation but also significant dressing-room tension. Reports have surfaced detailing the Italian’s harsh treatment of defender Amir Murillo, who was allegedly informed during a heated video review session that he had no future with the club. This confrontational approach, intended to elevate standards, seems to have backfired, leaving a squad that Rami describes as lacking confidence and gripped by a sense of impending doom.

Transitioning into the post-De Zerbi era has proven challenging. The team is currently under the interim leadership of coach Pancho Abardonado, with support from Romain Ferrier. However, this temporary coaching staff was unable to avert the collapse against Strasbourg. Despite taking an early lead through goals from Mason Greenwood and Amine Gouiri, the team succumbed in the final twenty minutes. Sebastian Nanasi ignited the comeback, culminating in a 97th-minute penalty from Joaquín Panichelli that silenced the home crowd and amplified the “negativity” Rami had warned about.

Adding to the woes for Marseille supporters is the announcement of Benatia’s departure as director of football. Having only assumed this role in January 2025, his exit leaves a considerable void in the club’s sporting direction. Benatia’s departure is viewed as a symptom of the broader unrest within the club’s hierarchy and a growing sense of dissatisfaction regarding the management of the project under owner Frank McCourt. Without a permanent manager or a sporting director, Marseille is essentially adrift as they navigate this critical phase of the season.

As the search for stability continues, Rami’s insights serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges that any new appointment will confront. While altering the tactical setup may be relatively straightforward, the real challenge lies in dispelling the fear that seems to have enveloped the dressing room. Until Marseille can foster a stable environment where players are not “afraid” to don the iconic white shirt, even the most talented squads may falter under the immense pressure of the Velodrome.