Greenwood Matches Drogba’s Marseille Record, Manager Demands More
Mason greenwood has equaled a Marseille record held by Didier Drogba, scoring 19 goals in his debut Ligue 1 season. Despite this achievement, his manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has publicly stated he expects more from the young forward.
De Zerbi’s “Backhanded Compliment”
following Marseille’s 4-1 victory over Brest, where Greenwood scored a goal, De Zerbi offered what some might consider a backhanded compliment, noting it was “the first time” he had seen Greenwood work so hard. The manager’s comments highlight a perceived inconsistency in Greenwood’s effort and determination.
managerial Expectations and Initial Scrutiny
Greenwood’s Marseille career began brightly but faced scrutiny amid the team’s poor run, losing four out of five games. De Zerbi even dropped Greenwood from the starting lineup for two consecutive games,citing a need for him to “sacrifice” more for the team.
“No one can have more respect for him than I do,” De Zerbi stated earlier. “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.”
Addressing Squad Harmony Rumors
Amid Greenwood’s fluctuating form and the team’s struggles, Marseille’s director of football, Mehdi Benatia, intervened to squash rumors that teammate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had requested Greenwood’s removal from the squad.
De Zerbi’s Approach to greenwood’s Growth
De Zerbi has revealed a collaborative approach to Greenwood’s development,working closely wiht the player’s father and Benatia. He described Greenwood as “an introverted person, a little closed,” but acknowledged his “fantastic family.”
Despite recognizing Greenwood’s potential, De Zerbi believes he “wastes a little of his potential and his value.” The manager is employing a strategy of both encouragement and sternness to help Greenwood progress and consistently contribute to the team’s objectives.
Fan Pressure
Prior to his recent goal-scoring form, Marseille fans displayed a banner urging Greenwood and teammate Luis Henrique to increase their effort, reflecting the high expectations surrounding the team.
Italy Training Camp
De Zerbi has taken the team to Italy for a training camp. “Tuesday. We’re going to work,be together. It’s not a punishment. The players are happy… have you ever seen Mason Greenwood work like today?
“It was the first time. You have to give the players credit. Sometimes you lose points because of bad attitudes, but not because they’re not good guys.”
Q: Beyond matching Drogba’s goal record, what specific criticisms has de zerbi leveled against Greenwood regarding his overall contribution to the team?
Greenwood Matches Drogba’s Marseille Record: Q&A
Mason Greenwood is a young forward playing for Marseille. He has equaled Didier Drogba’s record by scoring 19 goals in his debut Ligue 1 season for the club.
De Zerbi, the Marseille manager, expects more from Greenwood despite his goal-scoring record. He has been critical of Greenwood’s consistency and effort, suggesting he isn’t reaching his full potential. He has also publicly stated that he expects more from him.
De Zerbi dropped Greenwood for two consecutive games,citing the need for the player to “sacrifice” more for the team and improve his work ethic.
De Zerbi is employing a combined strategy of encouragement and sternness. He is working closely wiht greenwood’s father and the club’s director of football, Mehdi Benatia, to support the player’s development.
Yes, there were rumors that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had allegedly requested Greenwood’s removal from the squad, which were swiftly dismissed by the club’s director of football.
The Marseille fans showed a banner urging Greenwood and teammate Luis Henrique to increase their effort,reflecting the high expectations surrounding the team.
De Zerbi views the training camp as an opportunity for the team to work together,not as a punishment,and credits the players for their efforts. It is indeed also an opportunity to get the players to work more and improve their efforts in the game.
De Zerbi’s approach highlights the balance between nurturing talent and demanding excellence. Follow Greenwood’s progress as he strives to meet these high expectations and cement his place in Marseille’s history.
