Marseille Secures Key Victory Against Brest Amidst Criticism

The turning point of the match occurred midway through the first half when Gomes took a free-kick just outside the box. The 23-year-old executed a curling shot that appeared manageable for Brest goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki. However, the ball unexpectedly slipped through his hands and crossed the line, granting the home team an unexpected lead.

Just eight minutes later, Marseille capitalized on their dominance once again. A careless challenge on Pierre-Emile Højbjerg within the penalty area presented Greenwood with the opportunity to extend the lead from the spot. The English forward displayed composure and precision, sending the goalkeeper in the opposite direction to score his fifth goal of the season. By the 82nd minute, the outcome was assured. Matt O’Riley delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, which Aubameyang met with a powerful header, leaving Majecki immobile.

Following the final whistle, coach De Zerbi appeared visibly relieved. The Italian manager has faced significant scrutiny after a series of disappointing results, including a painful defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League and a lackluster draw against Angers.

“Against Angers, the lineup was similar to the one against Brest,” he commented. “I enjoyed the game from the bench; we moved the ball effectively, played vertically, maintained high pressing, created numerous goal-scoring opportunities, and kept up the strong pressing. We also adapted our formation when Brest made changes at halftime. That’s the essence of my OM. We can perform exceptionally well, as we did in Lisbon. You’ve discovered the right strategist in me; I’m not intimidated in the slightest.”

Reflecting on the Angers match, he acknowledged, “We didn’t perform well against Angers and Atalanta. In the other matches, we played better but didn’t get the results we deserved. We were just unlucky.”

In light of recent European stumbles, the victory came at an opportune time. The French press had ignited discussions of a crisis surrounding Marseille, with calls for accountability echoing among pundits. Jerome Rothen, a vocal former PSG winger, did not hold back in his criticism this week. Speaking on RMC Sport, he asserted, “OM’s results are abysmal, that’s the reality. They are struggling and currently find themselves in a group that appears more suited for the Europa League than the Champions League. Let’s be frank. De Zerbi’s record stands at one win in ten Champions League matches, which speaks volumes. Tactically, he lacks the necessary tools and cannot extract better performances from OM. He was outmaneuvered by Juric, the Atalanta coach. There was a misjudgment in recruitment.”

He continued, “Who is responsible for assembling this team? When you consider the resources available to OM compared to those at Atalanta, the disparity in performance and technical execution becomes glaring. In yesterday’s match, aside from Greenwood and Rulli, the rest were ineffective. Players with supposed special statuses, like Højbjerg, are labeled as experienced, yet he remains an average player. A glance at his significant matches in the Champions League reveals his limitations.”

The win over Brest marked Marseille’s eighth in the league this season, propelling them one point ahead of Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the table. However, PSG has the opportunity to reclaim first place with a win against Lyon on Sunday. With an international break approaching, De Zerbi will have time to regroup and rejuvenate his squad. Marseille will return to action against Nice away from home on November 21, followed by a Champions League match against Newcastle at home four days later.