Belhanda Criticizes De Zerbi: 'He Left Marseille Mid-Season Without Pressure' - Elbotola
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Belhanda Criticizes De Zerbi: 'He Left Marseille Mid-Season Without Pressure'

Belhanda Criticizes De Zerbi: 'He Left Marseille Mid-Season Without Pressure'

14 February 2026at17:18

Former Moroccan international Younès Belhanda stated that Roberto De Zerbi's mid-season departure from Olympique Marseille was an irresponsible act.

Speaking on RMC radio's "Rothen s’enflamme" program, Belhanda said: "He left the team in the middle of the season even though he wasn't subjected to any pressure from the fans or the management. Weeks before, he was still leading in the Coupe de France and the Champions League, so he wasn't in a difficult situation."

He added: "He had the full support of his sporting director and the club president. He didn't go through turbulent times in Marseille where fans were shouting, whistling, or showing up at the training ground. Nevertheless, he set himself on fire, and I don't understand it."

Olympique Marseille had announced that the termination of their association with coach Roberto De Zerbi was by mutual consent, following the heavy 5-0 defeat the team suffered against their traditional rival Paris Saint-Germain in a French League match.

Why did Younès Belhanda criticize Roberto De Zerbi's departure from Olympique Marseille?

Younès Belhanda criticized Roberto De Zerbi for what he termed an "irresponsible" mid-season departure, arguing the coach faced no significant pressure from fans or management, contrasting with the official club statement.

What circumstances surrounded Roberto De Zerbi's departure from Olympique Marseille?

Olympique Marseille stated Roberto De Zerbi's departure was by mutual consent, occurring after a heavy 5-0 French League defeat against rivals Paris Saint-Germain, a context Belhanda's criticism addresses.
Younès Belhanda
Marseille
French Ligue 1

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