Roberto De Zerbi expressed satisfaction after Olympique de Marseille delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Rennes at the Orange Velodrome, sealing qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 Coupe de France in style.
Speaking after the final whistle, the OM coach praised both the performance and the response from his players against a Rennes side that struggled to impose themselves in attack.
“I’m pleased with the match, the victory and the reaction against a strong team that didn’t shoot on goal,” the manager said. “We’re going to prepare for the match against Paris. I hope we can find some consistency.”
As the game unfolded, De Zerbi admitted the tactical battle demanded patience and concentration, especially during a first half that did not go entirely to plan in terms of fluency and rhythm.
“It was a match that required focus. In the first half, we didn’t expect Rennes to play like that. We weren’t fluid or attractive with the ball at our feet. Before the match, I was afraid we would be too unbalanced with four forwards.
“But in the end, we didn’t concede any shots. When you play with an extra defender, you concede three goals, and tonight with four forwards, we didn’t concede any goals. We’re happy to have qualified.”
Beyond the scoreline, De Zerbi also reflected on the atmosphere around the club, acknowledging both the criticism and support from the stands in recent days.
“No, you feel relieved when you have a clear conscience. We saw the supporters yesterday, and they said the right things. Tonight, they were behind us, apart from the banners, which were justified.
“The supporters often tell the truth. They’re right about the defeat in Bruges, we should be ashamed of that match. We’ve alternated between big games and slumps.
“There are expectations, sometimes we’ve met them and sometimes we haven’t, that’s the truth.”
With qualification secured, attention now quickly switches to a blockbuster showdown in Paris, and De Zerbi made it clear his side must raise their level significantly against elite opposition.
“I believe PSG is the strongest team in Europe. I sincerely believe that. Words are just words. We have to go out on the pitch hungry, with more quality than we showed tonight. We have to have the ambition to win in Paris. Everyone has to have that.”
Marseille march on in the Coupe de France, and with momentum building, De Zerbi will be demanding consistency and belief as OM prepare for their next major test.
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