Roberto De Zerbi confirmed today during his press conference that he spoke with Marseille`s Adrien Rabiot this morning. The Italian coach revealed Rabiot offered an apology, but De Zerbi`s decision regarding the player remains final.
“He apologized,” De Zerbi stated at Marseille’s training ground. “He felt the decision was too severe. However, I informed him that I would address this at the conference today. If he were my son, I would have acted the same way as his coach. One can suffer, one can make an unwelcome decision, and that is what occurred.”
The Italian coach continued, “But sometimes duty takes precedence. I offered him some paternal advice. Now, he will consider his next steps.” Earlier in the conference, De Zerbi had strongly criticized Rabiot`s representatives for their reaction to the Frenchman`s suspension on Monday.
“These are the facts: on Monday, when the decision was communicated to the players, it was initially temporary. The situation then intensified, not due to OM, but because of those close to the player,” De Zerbi explained, referencing Veronique Rabiot.
Marseille will return to Ligue 1 action tomorrow against promoted side Paris FC, missing both Rowe and Rabiot. Geoffrey Kondogbia, Facundo Medina, and Amine Harit are also unavailable for the upcoming match.