Marseille midfielder Angel Gomes: ‘What De Zerbi asks of me is different from what Fonseca wanted’ | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille midfielder Angel Gomes (25) has had to adapt to life in the South of France and a new coach in Roberto De Zerbi after moving this summer on a free transfer from Lille OSC. Since arriving at the club, Gomes has featured across multiple roles in midfield — as a No.6, No.8, and even a No.10 — depending on De Zerbi’s plans. He admits that adapting to the Italian’s methods has been both demanding and fascinating in an interview with local media outlet Le Phocéen.

“What De Zerbi asks of me is different from what Fonseca wanted,” he explained. “They share some principles, but the way they apply them is totally different. Here, there’s a lot about rotations, occupying spaces to unbalance the opponent, always being on the ball, reading the game, knowing what’s behind you. It’s very demanding, especially for midfielders, because we link defence and attack.”That level of tactical precision, Gomes says, can’t always be seen from the outside — but it makes the difference. “Sometimes what he asks isn’t visible to fans, but he sees the bigger picture. And as long as we’re winning, that’s what matters.”GFFN | George Boxall