Nigerian midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi coach at Marseille Roberto De Zerbi has quit his role as manager of the French club by mutual consent following a difficult spell of results.
Marseille confirmed the Italian’s departure after a 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint Germain and their exit from the UEFA Champions League, where they were beaten 3-0 away at Club Brugge. The heavy losses increased pressure on De Zerbi and led to discussions between the coach and the club’s leadership over the future direction of the team.
In an official statement, the club said, “Olympique de Marseille and Roberto De Zerbi, coach of the first team, have announced the end of their collaboration by mutual agreement.
“Following discussions between all stakeholders in the club’s management – the owner, president, director of football, and coach – it was decided to make a change at the helm of the first team.
“This was a difficult collective decision, taken after careful consideration in the best interests of the club, in order to respond to the sporting challenges of the end of the season.”
De Zerbi took charge of Marseille in the summer of 2024 after leaving Brighton, where he spent just under two years. He guided the club to a second place finish in Ligue 1 last season, but this term proved more challenging. Marseille are currently fourth in the French top flight, 12 points behind leaders Paris Saint Germain.
The managerial exit comes shortly after Marseille completed the signing of Nigerian midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi from Belgian side Zulte Waregem for a reported fee of about €6 million on the winter transfer deadline day. With a new coach set to be appointed, Nnadi will now begin his journey at the club under fresh technical leadership as Marseille aim to steady their campaign.
