By Abubakar Y Ojima-Ojo
Olympique de Marseille are already planning for the future as they look to return to the Champions League, despite the French team’s absence from European football this season.
Currently sitting second in Ligue 1 with just four matches remaining, recent inconsistent form has prompted head coach Roberto De Zerbi to take drastic measures.
Marseille had lost five of their last seven matches before hammering bottom-placed Montpellier 5-1 last weekend. However, with only four points separating them from the chasing pack, De Zerbi is leaving nothing to chance.
In a bid to refocus and unite the squad ahead of a crucial run-in, the Italian tactician has taken a traditional approach from his homeland — a training retreat, known in Italy as a ritiro.
On Tuesday, the squad flew out to Rome, where they are staying at a five-star hotel and training at a small stadium along the Tiber River, north of the capital. The players also paid a visit to the Vatican on Wednesday as part of the trip.
“We decided we would try everything as we attempt to achieve our objective,” said De Zerbi after the win against Montpellier. “It is not a punishment. It is just a way to try to bring us together.”
Marseille, who last won the Champions League in 1993, finished eighth in Ligue 1 last season and are determined to return to Europe’s elite competition. With just a few points separating them from several rivals, the margin for error is slim.
Club president Pablo Longoria emphasised the importance of unity at this stage of the season, stating, “The only thing that counts is the match against Brest.”
He added that the decision to head abroad was made collectively, recognising that “every little detail can make the difference.”
Players including Mason Greenwood and Adrien Rabiot will be hoping the break in Italy provides the right spark as Marseille prepare to host Brest this Sunday. Depending on the outcome, the team could even return to Italy for another camp.
