"After Marseille's 1-0 win over the European champions in September their first at the Velodrome in the league in 14 years the word finally was the word scrawled across the front page of local paper La Provence. That victory brought relief, but also hope and optimism: the Empire could be toppled. But it struck back on Sunday night. Rubbish, read the front page of La Provence on Monday."
"The Marseille defender Facundo Medina had spoken about seeking revenge for his team's defeat to PSG in the Trophee des Champions in January, a defeat on penalties so narrow and frustrating that it left Roberto De Zerbi in tears in the dressing room. I have never cried after a defeat but tonight I cried when I returned to the dressing room, said De Zerbi after his hopes were dashed in the Trophee des Champions."
"This was Marseille's 33rd game of the season and, quite extraordinarily, it was their 33rd different starting lineup. It is the first time in my career that I've had such an unstable team I don't understand it, said De Zerbi, who could, of course, instil a degree of stability through his team selection. But he does not hold the stop button on the unrelenting revolving door at the club."
Marseille beat PSG 1-0 at the Velodrome in September, prompting hope that the club could topple the dominant side. That optimism collapsed after a 5-0 loss at the Parc des Princes, described as a humiliation. Roberto De Zerbi cried after a narrow Trophee des Champions defeat on penalties and later expressed deep sadness and lack of explanation following the heavy loss. The team has used 33 different starting lineups in 33 games, reflecting extreme instability. Nine players left in January, including Angel Gomes and Matt O'Riley, while four new players arrived. Widespread turnover explains Marseille's rollercoaster form.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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