One To Watch
Quentin Merlin on His Growth, Life Changes at Olympique Marseille
No longer the young player from FC Nantes, Merlin has grown more mature and has earned the trust of Roberto De Zerbi. Looking ahead to 2025, the left-back is focused on improving his defense and becoming more decisive on the pitch.
Here’s what he told the French media outlet:
You’re the youngest starter in a team full of experienced players. Do you feel that in your day-to-day life?
“I know because, well, I know my birthdate (smiles). When we do the ‘toros,’ the younger players go in the middle, so it’s obvious there. But in the locker room, it’s not really noticeable. It’s been a year since I arrived, so I’m not a baby anymore.”
Which veteran has helped you the most?
“Val (Rongier) gave me a lot of advice when it came to adapting. When I first got here, he was injured, but he was still around for the group. His mental strength was incredible; he was always asking to work. He’s a really solid person.”
“I try to follow the example set by the more experienced players, like arriving early before training. The one who impresses me the most, though, is Neal (Maupay). He’s so dedicated to his work, right down to the minute. He knows exactly what he needs to do every day.”
What’s different for you now compared to before?
“A lot of things. I’ve really grown in terms of maturity. I can feel it, and my family notices it too—they often ask, ‘What’s going on with you?’ In just a year here, I’ve learned more than I would have elsewhere. I’ve had to really understand the importance of things like diet and rest—stuff I didn’t focus on as much in Nantes.”
You arrived during a tough time for OM. Did you consider the risks?
“It’s a very special, almost magical place here. When OM calls, it’s hard to say no, and I wasn’t afraid to come. I was just excited to start playing.”
The examples of Lilian Brassier and Elye Wahi, who both left earlier, really showed how important it is not to miss your first match...
“I remember my first game at the Vel’ (against Metz, 1-1; February 9, 2024) really well. My dad called me that afternoon to check how I was feeling. I felt good, I just couldn’t wait for time to pass and get there, to wear that jersey, and to hear ‘Aux armes.’”
“The atmosphere here is electric, and it really gets me fired up—it doesn’t stop me from taking risks. Some players might be a bit held back by it, but before I signed, I watched the OM-Leipzig match from 2018 (5-2). I really want to experience that.”
Did you also enjoy the Velodrome when you were an opponent?
“When we played against Marseille with Nantes, we all felt like Ronaldo or Messi (laughs). You’re playing in this huge stadium, it’s at night, not some afternoon match... If you’re playing well, the crowd can really make it feel special. That’s the place where you want to shine, where you want to take on the opponent in front of you.”
OM have been pretty unstable—you’ve had three different coaches in 2024 (Gennaro Gattuso, Jean-Louis Gasset, Roberto De Zerbi), dealt with injuries, a bunch of new signings, and various tactical setups. How do you keep up with all that?
"Honestly, all of it has helped me grow, both as a person and as a footballer. From the outside, you don’t realize just how much goes on at OM. You have to adapt and stay as consistent as possible. I’ve played alongside Pierre-Emile (Höjbjerg) and "Auba" (Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang). I never imagined I’d be teammates with "Auba." Back when I was at Nantes, I used to watch him on TV—he was incredible. And now, at 35, he’s still as fast as ever."
Which coach has been the loudest on the touchline?
"Gattuso and De Zerbi don’t speak French, so when they’re yelling, I don’t always understand them (laughs). But De Zerbi is the one you hear the most—he’s everywhere, constantly giving instructions and living every moment of the game. If he could step onto the pitch himself, he probably would! He sees the game in a very detailed way, and positioning is everything for him. He’s really meticulous, and he’s drilled a lot of things into us—we have to think and react even faster now."
He first gave you a hybrid role, playing between full-back and midfield.
"We worked on it all summer, and I really enjoyed it—it helped me play well. Luis (Henrique) and I would switch positions, and you could see the opponent getting a bit lost, so we used that to our advantage. Now, I have just one role, staying out wide. But I still enjoy it—just because I’m out there alone doesn’t mean I’m not having fun! I’m more attack-focused now, taking on one-on-ones and running more, with a lot of sprints. I love running, and I have the stamina to keep pushing at high intensity."
Twice, De Zerbi subbed you off at halftime…
"When that happens, you’re never happy—you reflect on your performance. I’m honest with myself, calm, and demanding without being too harsh. I know what I did well and what I didn’t. Against Auxerre (1-3, on November 8), it was a game to forget—I already knew that when I walked into the dressing room, so there was no need to dwell on it. Against Lille (1-1, lost 3-4 on penalties in the Coupe de France), the coach made his decisions. You don’t argue with him—you respect it and support your teammates."
You had never left the area of Pornic and Nantes. Was it a big adjustment?
"Leaving was important—I needed to step out of my comfort zone. In Nantes, my family was right there. If I had any problems, it was, “Dad, Mom…” Here, it’s just me and my girlfriend. You learn to do things you never thought you could. In Nantes, I was a fan favorite at La Beaujoire, and the club’s expectations weren’t as high. If we played Marseille, Paris, or Monaco, getting a draw felt like a win—we’d celebrate like crazy. Here, if you draw, there’s no celebration—you just lower your head and move on."
OM and Nantes are two very different clubs.
"They’re total opposites! But both helped me adjust to professional football. At Nantes, they make sure you stay grounded. I spent a year and a half with Antoine Kombouaré, who wouldn’t let me talk to the press and told me, “You won’t be a real pro until you’ve played 100 games.” I haven’t hit that mark yet in Ligue 1, but I already feel like a pro—even if four years in football is nothing compared to guys like Pierre-Emile, Neal, or Adri (Rabiot). But I’ve got plenty of seasons ahead of me!"
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