Marseille in turmoil: Roberto de Zerbi ‘refused to train French team after disappointing defeat’ while players ‘told club chief NOT to let him oversee their next game’ – with Italian linked with AC Milan job

Furious Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi reportedly refused to train his players following the 3-1 defeat to Reims last weekend.

Marseille, who are in third place in Ligue 1, suffered a shock defeat away to relegation-threatened Reims.

Reims established a three-goal lead by the 68th minute, with Keito Nakamura, Mamadou Diakhon and Valentin Atangana all getting on the scoresheet. 

Although Valentin Rongier got a goal back for Marseille, De Zerbi’s side still ended up being beaten.

As reported by L’Equipe, De Zerbi refused to train his players on Monday, which prompted a strong reaction from the team.

Marseille players subsequently refused to train under De Zerbi’s coaching staff. 

Marseille players including Neal Maupay were left dejected after they lost against Reims

Players asked sporting director Medhi Benatia to intervene and address the situation

In addition, players were disappointed with De Zerbi’s decision to make them train on Sunday, the day after the game.

Mehdi Benatia, Marseille’s sporting director, had to intervene, with players reportedly asking him to ensure that De Zerbi didn’t take charge of the next Ligue 1 game.

Marseille are back in action on Saturday night when they host Toulouse.

De Zerbi has been linked with the managerial position at AC Milan.

He was appointed as Marseille boss last summer and has won 16 of his 29 matches in charge so far, drawing five and losing eight.

Marseille were knocked out of the Coupe de France by Lille on penalties in January. 

High-profile players in the Marseille squad include Mason Greenwood, Neal Maupay and Adrien Rabiot.

De Zerbi was previously in charge of Brighton from September 2022 until the end of last season.