Despite the dream evening experienced by Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday against Ajax Amsterdam (4-0), Robert de Zerbi was bitter during his visit to a press conference. Consequence of certain criticisms.
Thirteen years later, the Marseille public finally tasted a home victory in the Champions League. Since the success won against Inter Milan in an eighth final first in February 2012, Olympique de Marseille had certainly imposed itself against Olympiakos (2-1) in December 2020 then against Sporting Portugal in the fall of 2002, but each time, the stadium was empty. Whether because of the COVID-19 or a sanction from UEFA …
This time, the Vélodrome was full as an egg and the 65,000 spectators present in the stands attended a real heaven and white recital, 4-0 winners of Ajax Amsterdam after a canon start, symbolized by the double inscribed by Igor Peaceao.
Very discreet since his arrival in Marseille, the Brazilian striker, who became this summer the most expensive player in OM history this summer, has offered a brilliant revenge and silence the criticisms about him. Critics that have not been to Roberto de Zerbi’s taste.
OM is blocking Peaceao
“Critics in Marseille are like the sun in Marseille … There are almost all the time. The sun in Marseille is there almost every day, like criticism in Marseille. Because when someone does not know what to write when they get up in the morning, we attack Peaceao ”he brought to the microphones, visibly annoyed.
“But Paixao had two months injury, he continued in remarks relayed by RMC. In my opinion, his performances were already improving. We tried with the medical staff to gradually increase his playing time. And tonight, he marked it is obvious. But already in Strasbourg, in second but also in the first period, we already saw something different. A goal is for confidence, to work better, to be more positive. And we are all very happy. »»
And the former PSV player can also count on the support of his sports director, Medhi Benatia. “When I look at the transfer window and the prices of the wingers who moved this summer … it is in the prices. He is a player who proved in the Champions League, who was best player in his championship last year, he explained. We took it injured so we knew. We were almost two months behind him. He is one of the players we pointed out from the start with Pablo (Longoria) and the coach, we made the efforts it was needed. I am very happy for him. It’s a little one who is always smiling, very hard -working. He really wanted to come to Marseille, as well as his family. Signing a double in the Champions League, to adapt and for confidence is magnificent. »»
