Olympique de Marseille is entering one of the toughest weeks of its season, with back-to-back clashes against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and PSG in Ligue 1. Ahead of the trip to the Santiago Bernabéu, head coach Roberto De Zerbi not only analyzed the upcoming match but also took time to praise Xabi Alonso, Madrid’s new manager.

What Did De Zerbi Say About Xabi Alonso?

The Italian coach was full of admiration for his counterpart, highlighting Alonso’s footballing pedigree and vision for the future.
“Xabi is an excellent coach. I’m convinced he will achieve great success at Real Madrid. It’s a club he knows very well, he has very clear ideas, he’s learned from some of the best coaches in his career, and now he’s leading young players with big potential. He will achieve strong results,” De Zerbi stated at his press conference.

What Is Marseille’s Game Plan at the Bernabéu?

De Zerbi admitted that stopping Kylian Mbappé and Madrid’s star-studded attack will be the biggest challenge.
“You have to be very careful with Mbappé and the other players, knowing the risk of conceding goals at the Bernabéu is always high. That’s why we cannot afford to lack possession of the ball and must have courage in attack. We have quality and pride to fight for a good result,” he explained.

The Marseille boss also pointed out that while he would have preferred to host the match at the Stade Vélodrome, his side is approaching the task with respect and determination.
“It’s a privilege to be here. We must play seriously to get a positive result. We’re a club with great history, and we’ve earned the right to be in this competition,” he added.

Who Are the Key Names for Marseille?

De Zerbi highlighted the value of experienced players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Benjamin Pavard, Emerson, and Mason Greenwood, all of whom bring stability in high-pressure matches. He also emphasized the importance of the club’s late transfer signings, who are still adapting but could play an important role.

Looking ahead, the coach stressed that Marseille must take things step by step, but always with ambition: first the challenge at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid, and then the fiery Le Classique showdown against PSG in Ligue 1.