French media lament Mason Greenwood ‘paying price’ as boss calls out ‘trouble’

Mason Greenwood was taken off at half-time during Marseille’s Champions League defeat to Sporting Lisbon after Roberto De Zerbi’s side were reduced to 10 men

Sporting Lisbon fought back from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory over Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, with ex-Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood withdrawn at the interval. Greenwood entered the match in fine form having netted four times against Le Havre days earlier.

The 24-year-old has bagged seven goals and provided four assists this campaign, but was taken off by Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi following the Ligue 1 outfit’s first-half red card in Portugal. De Zerbi’s decision to prioritise caution in the encounter has attracted criticism from French media.

Several publications suggest the Italian somewhat limited his side’s prospects of success by removing Greenwood and selecting a defensive approach, with De Zerbi apparently remaining sceptical about his defensive capabilities.

Igor Paixao had fired Marseille ahead in the 14th minute. Yet after Emerson received his marching orders in first-half stoppage time for simulation whilst attempting to earn a penalty following Greenwood’s set-up, De Zerbi altered his strategy.

His choice to sacrifice attacking threat in pursuit of stability proved unsuccessful as Sporting gained momentum. Strikes from Geny Catamo and Alisson Santos sealed Marseille’s downfall.

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Before Greenwood’s half-time substitution, French publication L’Equipe provided cautious commendation for his display. They said: “This goal freed his team, much higher, calm and dangerous, with a valuable Mason Greenwood in a more central role than usual.

“Marseille thought they were safe just before half-time, when, following a corner and a well-aimed pass from Greenwood, Emerson found himself knocked to the ground and Mr. Obrenovic [the match official] didn’t hesitate to point to the penalty spot.”

The publication also handed Greenwood a 5/10 rating for his showing in the opening 45 minutes. They said: “Playing in support of the main striker, alongside Paixao, he was a little less prominent than his team-mates, even though he tried his luck several times (16th, 27th, 35th minutes).”

Le Parisien, seemingly baffled by Greenwood’s substitution given the player’s overall reliability, said: “The second half was nothing but misery for Marseille, despite being so impressive in Ligue 1 with four consecutive victories and a first-place finish ahead of PSG.

“Roberto De Zerbi had anticipated this by adding a defender, Amir Murillo, to bolster their position. Mason Greenwood, who scored four goals against Le Havre on Saturday, paid the price.”

De Zerbi has questioned Greenwood’s commitment off the ball ever since the former United star completed his move to France in July 2024. The Italian seized another opportunity to highlight Greenwood’s obligations without possession after the loss to Sporting CP.

“Greenwood had already played up front at Lyon last season, but I needed players willing to do more, and Greenwood doesn’t necessarily have the kind of characteristics to make that kind of sacrifice,” he said. “We had to find an alternative; we needed different characteristics.”

Speaking to Canal+, he further explained: “I made the choice to take Greenwood off because they sent off Emerson, we had to defend with five and, between Greenwood and Paixao, at that time, the one who had the characteristics to defend and attack at the same time was Paixao.

“Last year, when we were 10 against Lyon, we put Mason as a centre forward and he had a lot of trouble. Even Vermeeren, who had played well in the first half, I had to replace him to put a little more weight on it.”

De Zerbi’s stern comments mirror those he made in March, when he expressed his expectations for his striker. He said: “I wanted him here, I said it over and over again. He was the first player I contacted, even before I signed for OM.

“I had already spoken to his father. No one can have more respect for him than I do. But that doesn’t change anything: I expect more from him. He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough. If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.”

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