Roberto De Zerbi hands in his resignation after Marseille’s European exit | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi has asked to leave Olympique de Marseille following the club’s elimination from the Champions League.

The Italian head coach is understood to have requested his release after Wednesday night’s heavy defeat to Club Brugge.

Marseille were beaten 3-0 in Belgium in the final round of the league phase, a result that confirmed their exit from the competition at the first hurdle.

The defeat has triggered serious internal discussions at the club, with De Zerbi now driving the process rather than awaiting a board decision.

Reports in France indicate that talks are ongoing between Marseille’s hierarchy and the coach to determine the terms of his departure.

De Zerbi did not oversee training on Thursday as Marseille prepared for their upcoming Ligue 1 fixture, adding weight to speculation over his future.

The 46-year-old cut a dejected figure after the defeat in Brugge.

Marseille conceded twice inside the opening 11 minutes despite specific preparation for Brugge’s fast starts.

That failure appears to have been a breaking point.

Senior figures at the club publicly backed the coach in the immediate aftermath, with sporting director Medhi Benatia placing responsibility on the squad.

Despite that support, De Zerbi is believed to feel that the working relationship can no longer continue.

Marseille currently sit third in Ligue 1, seven points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

While their domestic position remains competitive, the Champions League exit has been viewed internally as a major setback.

De Zerbi joined Marseille in the summer of 2024 after leaving Brighton & Hove Albion.

His appointment was seen as a statement of ambition, with the club committing to an expansive, high-risk playing style.

Across all competitions this season, he has overseen 17 wins, two draws and 11 defeats.

The inconsistency that has defined Marseille’s campaign has increasingly frustrated the coach.

In recent weeks, De Zerbi has publicly criticised media scrutiny and expressed confusion at his side’s fluctuating performances.

Those comments are now seen as warning signs.

His contract runs until 2027, meaning any separation would require a negotiated settlement.

If an agreement is reached, Marseille would face the task of appointing a new head coach midway through a demanding campaign.

An exit could quickly reopen opportunities elsewhere for De Zerbi.

A return to Serie A or the Premier League would be expected to attract interest given his previous work in England and Italy.

For Marseille, the fallout from Brugge may prove decisive.

What began as a single European defeat now threatens to bring a sudden end to a project that had been built around its manager.