Gotted expectations at the dawn of the 2025-2026 season, Roberto de Zerbi could experience his first big point of disagreement with the management of OM …
Photo credit: ICON SPORT
Arrived at OM to instill a new dynamic, Roberto de Zerbi has perfectly successfully completed his first season on the Marseille bench. The Italian technician has not only given back an attractive game identity to the team, but above all managed to qualify OM for the next Champions League. A feat praised by the supporters and the club's management, who are now preparing to live a European campaign expected from a firm foot. But when building a workforce capable of competing at the highest level, a first internal disagreement would sow doubt.
Bennacer, the great frustration of De Zerbi
According to information from the Fennec Gazette, Roberto de Zerbi clearly displayed his wish to keep Ismaël Bennacer in the Olympian workforce. Loaned by AC Milan last winter, the Algerian midfielder scored points under the orders of the Italian coach, to the point that the latter would have campaigned internally to activate the purchase option at the end of the season. A strong will, which remained without follow -up. Behind the scenes, Pablo Longoria would have decided: despite the qualities of Bennacer, OM prefers to delay to preserve its finances, in a still fragile economic context.
Length-From Zerbi : first crouch ?
This refusal to remove the Bennacer purchase option may well be the first real point of friction between Roberto de Zerbi and his management. Ambitious and demanding, the Italian wants guarantees to approach the Champions League with serenity. Conversely, Longoria keeps the club's budgetary balance in mind and refuses to lead the accounts for a player, as talented as it is. A divergence of strategy that could influence the continuation of the transfer window and lay the foundations for a restless summer on the Canebière …
