How De Zerbi's tactical tweaks have reignited Marseille's season

The start of the international break capped off a run of four wins for Olympique de Marseille in all competitions, seeing a surge in confidence and a rise up the Ligue 1 McDonald’s table during the start of the autumn months. After an August to forget, the keys to this upturn in form lie behind some smart signings made towards the end of the summer transfer window — a period that also saw Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe depart in controversial circumstances.

Yet incoming were players with experience and a hunger to start again. A trip to Real Madrid became the catalyst for a historic win over Paris Saint-Germain in the league. Then, the results and good form seemed to fall into place. “The past month has been one of the periods I’ve enjoyed the most,” Roberto De Zerbi recently said in an interview with Italian outlet Corriere Della Sera. It’s not just a shift in mentality or new players — De Zerbi’s side has also found a new tactical flexibility.

A defensive overhaul

Let’s start with OM’s defence. The new profiles of Benjamin Pavard, Nayef Aguerd, and Emerson Palmieri have enjoyed almost perfect starts in Provence. Not only do their personalities suit De Zerbi’s style of play, but they have also quickly merged into a unit capable of controlling space, pressing high, and transitioning quickly.

Against their Parisian rivals, Leonardo Balerdi and Benjamin Pavard were in constant communication, with Nayef Aguerd also starring in the central defensive role. This was crucial for OM’s high line, which allowed Paixao, O’Riley, and Greenwood to close down the ball in midfield.

Screenshot 2025-10-14 at 17.37.50.webp — Marseille's high line in action during September's Classique win over PSG

“First, restart... You have to have the courage to wait for your opponent, you have to play like a number 10, make one-twos in your area... There’s this very high defensive line. You need to have a sense of anticipation, communication and a lot of speed,” said former OM defender Renato Civelli in an interview with La Provence.

Les Olympiens now boast the best defensive record in Ligue 1 McDonald’s, conceding just five goals in seven games, with only one goal from open play in the last six matches. It’s a far cry from when OM were regularly criticised for their leakiness at the back last season.

Tactical flexibility and squad rotation

This new defensive solidity is complemented by De Zerbi’s attacking rotation in recent weeks, keeping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Amine Gouiri, and youngster Robinio Vaz sharp. The 18-year-old OM striker made his first start of the season in OM’s 3-0 win over Metz just before the international break. “I started him to give us depth; it was a tactical choice,” said De Zerbi following the game.

“Players in De Zerbi’s system usually stay within zones, but young players like Vaz bend those rules — they add a bit of chaos, and that’s refreshing,” remarked Ligue1+ pundit and former Marseille defender Benoît Cheyrou during the match.

Then against Ajax, it was Aubameyang who unlocked defences on the European stage. Gouiri later added creative playmaking against Metz, combining smartly with Matt O’Riley to score his first goal of the season.

There is a growing dynamic between the front three — Vaz being mentored by Gouiri on movement and by Aubameyang on finishing. This rotation is not just for rotation’s sake, but a sign of De Zerbi’s long-term planning: three attacking options who will help OM navigate a busy autumn and winter period, with UEFA Champions League competition mixed with a tight race at the top of the table.

Les Olympiens will face Le Havre this weekend at the Stade Vélodrome. Whilst De Zerbi will face the side that he earned UEFA Champions League qualifcation against last season, Marseille will be hoping to make it five wins on the bounce in all competitions before facing Sporting Lisbon next mid-week.