Madrid Universal
·16 septembre 2025
Marseille coach breaks silence on failed Ceballos transfer – ‘Unfortunately, it didn’t work out’

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsMadrid Universal
·16 septembre 2025
Later today, Real Madrid will take to the field in their first UEFA Champions League clash of the season and it will see them lock horns with Olympique de Marseille in a tricky fixture.
Entering the game off four straight wins, Real Madrid’s run of form could not be any better ahead of their UCL debut. Facing Roberto De Zerbi’s men, however, will be a tactical battle where Los Blancos must be wary of the opponent’s attacking transitions.
Given their UCL draw, Real Madrid must win their winnable games to keep a margin for error against the higher-rated teams, and the game later today, thus, is close to a must-win for them.
Speaking to the media ahead of his team’s clash against Real Madrid, Olympique de Marseille coach Roberto de Zerbi spoke on the upcoming game and what he expected from the kings of the UCL during their showdown.
“Coming to the Bernabeu and facing Real Madrid is an honour, and with respect, we come to play a good match. We have to be very focused in defence and brave in attack.”
Ceballos turned down a move to Marseille. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos was closely linked with a move to the Ligue 1 side in the summer until the move collapsed in the nth minute after the club reportedly refused to sanction the player a bonus he demanded.
Speaking on the Ceballos situation, he said: “The Dani Ceballos situation stays between us. He is a great player. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out and he missed out on playing for a special club.”
Finally, De Zerbi was asked to speak out on Dean Huijsen’s red card in Real Madrid’s game against Real Sociedad last weekend, to which he said,
“Dean Huijsen’s red card? He wasn’t the last man. He had a player on the same line. I don’t know why the referee made that decision.”
Source: MARCA