OGC Nice thrashing brings ‘moral boost’ for Marseille ahead of Newcastle encounter, says Roberto De Zerbi

Olympique de Marseille could hardly have prepared any better for next Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Newcastle United.

OM beat their local rivals, OGC Nice, 5-1 at the Allianz Riviera on Friday night, in what was described as a “spanking” by Les Aiglons’ Sofiane Diop. “Naturally, it is a good thing, it fills us with enthusiasm, and it is a moral boost,” began Roberto De Zerbi in a press conference attended by Get French Football News.  “And it is good for the standings, too,” added the Italian, who saw his side provisionally take top spot in Ligue 1. 

Their focus now turns back to European football. “It is [also] important for [the match against] Newcastle, FC Toulouse, etc. We need to put that win aside now and move on,” said De Zerbi, who, despite the heavy scoreline, said his side could “play a lot better.”

Marseille’s Hojbjerg back to face Newcastle?

But he was overall “very satisfied” with the night’s work at the Allianz Riviera and said that, going forward, the “only thing that [he is] worried about is the infirmary.” There are plenty of absentees at Marseille currently, particularly in defence, however, OM may once again be able to count on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, rested against Nice.

“I gave him two days off (on Wednesday and Thursday) because he had a big international break. He will be back in training tomorrow,” said De Zerbi.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle and George Boxall – reporting from Nice