Roberto De Zerbi Quits Marseille After Champions League Exit: What’s Next?

The football world witnessed pure chaos this week as Roberto De Zerbi's future at Marseille hung by a thread following their humiliating Champions League exit. The passionate Italian manager, who transformed Brighton into a European force before moving to France in 2024, reportedly offered his resignation after Wednesday's crushing defeat to Club Brugge. Then, in a dramatic twist, he denied everything. Confused? You're not alone. With Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur circling like vultures and Marseille's season teetering on the brink, this story has more twists than a Hollywood thriller. Let's dive into what actually happened and where the 46-year-old tactical mastermind might end up next.
 

THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DISASTER THAT SPARKED EVERYTHING

Wednesday, January 29, 2026, will go down as one of the darkest nights in Olympique de Marseille's recent history. The French giants traveled to Belgium needing a result against Club Brugge to keep their Champions League dreams alive. What they got instead was a nightmare - a brutal three-nil hammering that exposed every weakness in their squad.

But here's where it gets even worse. The defeat itself wasn't the only problem. While Marseille were getting battered in Belgium, other results around Europe conspired against them. Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored an incredible last-gasp header against Real Madrid that sent shockwaves through the competition. Combined with Marseille's loss, this meant they finished 25th in the Champions League league phase standings.

Only the top 24 teams progress to at least the knockout play-off round. Marseille missed out by one spot. One single position separated them from continuing their European adventure and complete elimination. The mathematical cruelty of it all made the defeat even more painful to digest.

For a club of Marseille's stature and ambition, crashing out at the first hurdle represented a massive failure. They had invested heavily in the squad, brought in De Zerbi with his glamorous reputation from Brighton, and entered the competition with genuine hopes of making a deep run. Instead, they were going home embarrassingly early.

Marseille sporting director Mehdi Benatia didn't hold back after the match. He publicly blasted the squad and declared there must be consequences for such a catastrophic performance. The writing seemed to be on the wall - heads were going to roll, and the biggest head of all looked vulnerable.
 

DID DE ZERBI ACTUALLY RESIGN? THE CONFUSING TRUTH

This is where the story gets messy, and honestly, it's hard to know exactly what happened because different French media outlets reported conflicting information throughout Thursday and Friday.

Multiple reputable French sources including Foot Mercato and RMC Sport initially reported that De Zerbi had offered his resignation to Marseille's hierarchy on Thursday. According to these reports, the Italian felt the working relationship with the club could no longer continue. He allegedly told the board that some players were no longer fully buying into his tactical message and philosophy.

The evidence seemed damning. De Zerbi didn't show up for training on Thursday at Clairefontaine, where Marseille were preparing for their upcoming Ligue 1 match against Paris FC. The club initially cited illness, but given the timing, speculation went into overdrive. This looked like a manager who had checked out mentally and was preparing his exit.

Talks were reportedly underway between De Zerbi and club president Pablo Longoria to discuss the terms of his departure. Everything pointed toward an imminent parting of ways, whether by mutual consent or otherwise.

But then came the denial. Late Thursday evening, when contacted directly by L'Equipe - France's most respected sports newspaper - De Zerbi firmly rejected the resignation claims. He insisted he had not asked to leave Marseille and dismissed the entire story.

So what's the truth? Sources close to the squad explained to L'Equipe that there's a familiar pattern with De Zerbi. When he's angry or frustrated after painful defeats, he withdraws from the group. He's done this before, notably after a difficult loss at Reims last season. It's his way of processing disappointment.

The most likely scenario is that De Zerbi indicated he would be willing to step aside if the club felt it was necessary, but stopped short of formally submitting his resignation. It was more of an open conversation about whether continuing together made sense, rather than him actively quitting.

Either way, the situation exposed serious cracks in the relationship between manager and club.
 

MARSEILLE'S SEASON: SUCCESS OR FAILURE?

Here's what makes this whole situation even more complicated - Marseille aren't actually doing terribly overall. They currently sit third in Ligue 1, which would secure Champions League qualification for next season. They're seven points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain, but that's hardly a disaster given PSG's resources.

Under De Zerbi this season, Marseille have recorded 17 wins, two draws, and 11 defeats across all competitions. That's inconsistent, sure, but it's not catastrophic. They've shown flashes of the attacking, possession-based football that made De Zerbi's Brighton side so entertaining to watch.

The problem is the inconsistency has been maddening. Marseille can look world-class one week, then completely fall apart the next. They've used 30 different starting lineups in 30 matches this season, which suggests either De Zerbi can't settle on his best team or he's desperately searching for the right formula.

His rapport with certain players has reportedly been distant. He didn't fight to keep Valentin Rongier or Adrien Rabiot last summer, which raised eyebrows. Some squad members have privately questioned his constant rotation and tactical tweaks.

De Zerbi's methods are famously prescriptive and demanding. He requires total buy-in from his players to execute his complex positional play. When it works, it's beautiful football. When it doesn't, it looks chaotic. At Brighton, he had two full seasons to implement his ideas and got the players fully onboard. At Marseille, he's had less time and perhaps less patience from both players and fans.
 

MASON GREENWOOD AND THE STAR-STUDDED SQUAD

One of the most intriguing aspects of De Zerbi's Marseille project has been working with Mason Greenwood, the controversial former Manchester United forward who joined from the Premier League in search of redemption. Greenwood has actually been impressive in France, showing flashes of the talent that once made him one of England's most exciting prospects.

Marseille assembled an ambitious squad for De Zerbi. Beyond Greenwood, they have experienced players like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, the former Tottenham midfielder who brings Champions League pedigree. Geoffrey Kondogbia anchors the midfield with his physicality and experience. In attack, they have genuine quality.

The defensive setup has been more problematic. Marseille have conceded goals at alarming rates in some matches, particularly away from home. The three-nil defeat to Club Brugge wasn't an isolated defensive collapse - it was part of a concerning pattern.

De Zerbi's tactical approach requires defenders who are comfortable on the ball and can play out from the back under pressure. Not all of Marseille's defenders fit this profile perfectly, which has led to errors and miscommunication.

Interestingly, Arsenal just recently sent teenage wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille on loan specifically because they view De Zerbi as the perfect coach for the youngster's development. Arsenal's decision-makers valued De Zerbi's attacking philosophy and his track record of working with young players. Now, with uncertainty around De Zerbi's future, Arsenal must be watching nervously.
 

THE MANCHESTER UNITED CONNECTION

Manchester United have been circling Roberto De Zerbi like sharks for weeks now, and this Champions League disaster might have just thrown them the lifeline they needed to land their man.

Let's rewind slightly. United sacked Ruben Amorim earlier this month after just 14 months in charge. The Portuguese manager's tenure was disappointing, with a win ratio of only 38 percent. United currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, desperately fighting for Champions League qualification.

Michael Carrick, the United legend, has taken over as interim manager for the remaining 17 games of the season. But everyone knows this is temporary. United's hierarchy under INEOS ownership want a permanent solution in the summer.

And De Zerbi keeps appearing at the top of their shortlist. Here's why United are so keen on him: he was actually interviewed by Manchester United representatives back in 2024 when they were considering alternatives to Erik ten Hag. There has been long-standing admiration for his methods within Old Trafford's decision-making circles.

According to TEAMtalk sources, De Zerbi is genuinely interested in the Manchester United job and sees it as a dream opportunity. He's described Old Trafford as an ideal next step in his career. Insiders claim he feels ready for a major challenge and is particularly drawn to returning to English football, where his attacking philosophy earned widespread acclaim at Brighton.

Renowned football journalist Guillem Balague even suggested De Zerbi could eventually become Manchester City's manager when Pep Guardiola finally leaves. That's the level of tactical respect he commands. Balague told BBC Sport that De Zerbi takes football to another level and is developing innovations that go beyond even what Guardiola has achieved.

For United, the timing could be perfect. If De Zerbi becomes available this summer - whether through resignation, sacking, or mutual agreement with Marseille - they wouldn't need to pay a massive compensation fee to release him from his contract. They could just negotiate personal terms and bring him in.

United legend Rio Ferdinand recently named De Zerbi among his top choices for the permanent job. The Italian's Premier League experience, his progressive style, and his ability to develop young players all tick United's boxes.
 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR IN THE RACE

But Manchester United aren't alone in their pursuit. Tottenham Hotspur have also placed De Zerbi at the very top of their summer shortlist, and in some ways, Spurs might be the more attractive option.

Thomas Frank, the current Tottenham manager, is under serious pressure. The Danish coach has struggled this season, with Spurs languishing in mid-table and delivering disappointing performances. Sources indicate Frank's position will come under review at the season's end, and if Tottenham's hierarchy don't see enough progress, they'll pull the trigger.

According to multiple reports, Tottenham have been "huge admirers" of De Zerbi for quite some time. His progressive playing style - emphasizing possession, high pressing, and attacking football - aligns perfectly with Spurs' vision for the future. The North London club is eager to reclaim their status among the Premier League's elite, and they see De Zerbi as the man to lead that resurgence.

There's one problem though. Sources close to De Zerbi suggest that if both Manchester United and Tottenham come calling, he would choose United. The prestige of Old Trafford, the global platform, and the opportunity to manage one of football's most storied institutions simply carries more weight than Tottenham's project.

Still, Tottenham could make a compelling pitch. They have quality players, financial resources to build a strong squad, and perhaps less immediate pressure than United, who expect instant success. At Spurs, De Zerbi might get more time to implement his ideas without the intense scrutiny that comes with managing Manchester United.
 

OTHER POTENTIAL DESTINATIONS

While United and Spurs dominate the headlines, De Zerbi has other options if he does leave Marseille.

A return to Serie A makes sense. He's Italian, he knows the league from his time managing Sassuolo, and several top Italian clubs could use his tactical expertise. AC Milan, Roma, or even Napoli might come calling if their current managers underperform.

There's also Crystal Palace, whose manager Oliver Glasner has reportedly had a dramatic fallout with the club's hierarchy. De Zerbi's name has been mentioned in connection with Palace, though this seems less likely given his ambitions.

Some reports suggest De Zerbi harbors long-term ambitions of managing at the absolute elite level - thinking Bayern Munich, Barcelona, or eventually Manchester City when Guardiola departs. His Champions League failure at Marseille might have dented those dreams slightly, but one bad result doesn't erase his impressive body of work.

The reality is that De Zerbi is considered one of the brightest tactical minds in European football. Any club looking for progressive, attacking football with a manager who can develop young players will be interested.
 

DE ZERBI'S TACTICAL PHILOSOPHY AND REPUTATION

To understand why so many clubs want Roberto De Zerbi, you need to understand what makes him special as a coach. His playing philosophy is built on relentless possession football, positional fluidity, and aggressive pressing.

At Brighton, he took a team that was already solid under Graham Potter and elevated them to new heights. The Seagulls achieved their highest-ever Premier League finish and qualified for Europe under De Zerbi's guidance. He turned players like Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo, and Evan Ferguson into stars who attracted massive transfer fees from bigger clubs.

His teams build from the back through patient, intricate passing. Goalkeepers and defenders are expected to be comfortable on the ball, often playing risky passes under pressure. The midfield operates in complex rotations, with players constantly swapping positions to create space and confuse opponents.

In the attacking third, De Zerbi encourages creativity and risk-taking. He wants his teams to dominate possession but also create genuine goal-scoring chances, not just sterile passing for the sake of it.

The downside? This system requires intelligent, technical players who can execute complex instructions. It also takes time to implement fully. Not every squad is suited to his methods, and when things go wrong, they can go spectacularly wrong - as Marseille's Champions League campaign demonstrated.

De Zerbi is also notoriously passionate and emotional. His touchline antics at Brighton became legendary - screaming at players, celebrating goals wildly, arguing with officials. He describes himself in one word as "passionate," saying it's a privilege to have found a job that feeds his passion for football.

That passion is a double-edged sword. It drives him to extract maximum performance from his players, but it can also lead to combustible situations when results don't go his way.
 

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT AT MARSEILLE?

Regardless of De Zerbi's denials, the situation at Marseille feels untenable in the long term. The Champions League failure exposed too many problems, and the public nature of the resignation rumors has damaged the relationship beyond easy repair.

Marseille have a crucial Ligue 1 match coming up against Paris FC. How the team performs, and whether De Zerbi is even on the touchline, will tell us a lot about the immediate future.

President Pablo Longoria publicly expressed his desire for De Zerbi to stay long-term, comparing him to Diego Simeone's legendary tenure at Atletico Madrid. But those comments came before the Champions League disaster and resignation drama. Whether that sentiment still holds is questionable.

Marseille could decide to part ways with De Zerbi at the end of the season, even if they keep him for now to maintain stability. Alternatively, if results completely collapse in Ligue 1, they might not wait until summer.

For De Zerbi, staying at Marseille under these circumstances seems increasingly difficult. Even if he genuinely wants to continue the project, the relationship has been poisoned by this week's events. Sometimes in football, once trust breaks down, it's impossible to rebuild.
 

THE WIDER CONTEXT: MANAGERIAL MERRY-GO-ROUND

De Zerbi's situation is happening against the backdrop of a wider managerial carousel spinning across European football. Manchester United need a manager. Tottenham might need one soon. Crystal Palace are in turmoil. Several Serie A clubs have uncertain situations.

The timing of Marseille's Champions League exit might actually accelerate everything. If De Zerbi and Marseille do agree to part ways this summer, it opens up a domino effect. United can sign De Zerbi. Marseille can pursue a replacement. Tottenham might have to look elsewhere if United beat them to De Zerbi.

For neutral observers, it's fascinating drama. For the clubs involved, it's high-stakes poker where one wrong decision could set a team back years.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Did Roberto De Zerbi officially resign from Marseille?

The situation remains confusing. Multiple French sources including Foot Mercato and RMC Sport initially reported that De Zerbi offered his resignation after Marseille's Champions League elimination. However, when contacted directly by L'Equipe on Thursday evening, De Zerbi firmly denied asking to leave. The most likely scenario is that he indicated willingness to step aside if the club felt it necessary, rather than formally submitting his resignation. Talks between De Zerbi and club officials are ongoing.

Why did Marseille get eliminated from the Champions League?

Marseille lost their final league phase match against Club Brugge by a devastating three-nil scoreline. This defeat, combined with other results across Europe - particularly Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin's dramatic late header against Real Madrid - meant Marseille finished 25th in the Champions League standings. Only the top 24 teams progress to the knockout play-off round, so Marseille were eliminated by just one position. It was a humiliating early exit for a club of their stature.

Is Roberto De Zerbi joining Manchester United or Tottenham?

Neither move is confirmed, but both clubs are strongly interested. Manchester United view De Zerbi as a top candidate to replace Ruben Amorim permanently in the summer. Sources suggest De Zerbi sees the Old Trafford job as a dream opportunity and would favor United over Tottenham if both clubs make offers. Tottenham have him at the top of their shortlist if they decide to replace current manager Thomas Frank at season's end. De Zerbi's future largely depends on whether he actually leaves Marseille first.

What is Roberto De Zerbi's managerial record at Marseille?

Since joining in summer 2024 from Brighton, De Zerbi has overseen 17 wins, two draws, and 11 defeats across all competitions for Marseille. The team currently sits third in Ligue 1, seven points behind leaders PSG. While their domestic position is respectable, the inconsistency has been frustrating - they've used 30 different starting lineups in 30 matches. The Champions League elimination represents a major failure given the club's ambitions and investment in the squad.

Why was De Zerbi so successful at Brighton but struggling at Marseille?

Several factors explain the difference. At Brighton, De Zerbi had two full seasons to implement his complex tactical system, and the club was patient during the adjustment period. At Marseille, expectations were higher immediately. Additionally, some Marseille players reportedly haven't fully bought into his demanding positional play philosophy. Cultural differences between English and French football, combined with the pressure-cooker environment at a historically massive club like Marseille, have made his job more difficult than at Brighton.

What tactical style does Roberto De Zerbi use?

De Zerbi employs an aggressive possession-based system built on patient buildup from the back, positional fluidity in midfield, and creative attacking play. His teams play out from the back even under pressure, with goalkeepers and defenders expected to be comfortable on the ball. Midfielders constantly rotate positions to create space and confuse opponents. In attack, he encourages risk-taking and creativity. The system requires technically gifted, intelligent players who can execute complex instructions. When it works, it produces beautiful, dominant football. When it fails, defensive errors and tactical confusion can lead to heavy defeats.

Will Arsenal recall Ethan Nwaneri from his Marseille loan?

Arsenal loaned teenage wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille specifically because they valued De Zerbi as the ideal coach for his development. The uncertainty around De Zerbi's future has reportedly created concern at Arsenal. However, as of now, Nwaneri remains at Marseille. If De Zerbi does leave, Arsenal will need to reassess whether the loan still serves Nwaneri's best interests or if they should recall him.