De Zerbi Says Rabiot Row Strengthened Marseille Squad

De Zerbi Highlights Adrien Rabiot’s Exit as Turning Point for Marseille

Adrien Rabiot’s departure from Marseille, following his infamous fight with Jonathan Rowe in the dressing room, has proven to be a pivotal moment for the French club. Coach Roberto De Zerbi openly discussed how the incident, which resulted in both Rabiot and Rowe being sold after the season’s opening match, ended up benefiting the collective spirit and performance of his squad.

Adrien Rabiot’s Impact and Dressing Room Tension

The altercation between Rabiot and Rowe was more than just a heated exchange—it revealed hidden fractures within Marseille’s dressing room. De Zerbi did not shy away from admitting that Rabiot, despite his pedigree as an AC Milan midfielder, presented challenges that ran deeper than a single incident. “It did us good,” De Zerbi admitted, referring to the fight’s aftermath, suggesting that removing disruptive influences had a positive effect on team dynamics.

Marseille’s Response and the Road to Recovery

The club’s swift action to transfer both players sent a clear message about the club’s values and priorities. De Zerbi praised the unity that emerged after the controversy. “We made a difficult decision, but it was necessary for the good of Marseille,” he said. The coach hinted that the problems with Rabiot were not limited to one event and implied that his attitude could have continued to undermine team cohesion if left unchecked.

Life After Rabiot: Marseille’s Improved Form

Since the departures, Marseille have displayed renewed focus and togetherness on the pitch. Younger players have stepped up in the absence of the two high-profile exits, and the squad appears to be reaping the rewards of a more harmonious environment. The club’s performances in Ligue 1 have reflected this positive shift, with several key wins pointing to a new era under De Zerbi’s leadership.

De Zerbi’s Philosophy on Team Culture

De Zerbi has emphasized that talent alone is not enough for success at Marseille. He believes in building a team based on trust, respect, and collective responsibility. “We want players who are committed to the club and support each other,” De Zerbi explained. By prioritizing team chemistry over individual stardom, Marseille’s coach has laid a solid foundation for future growth.

AC Milan and Rabiot: What Went Wrong?

Rabiot’s past at AC Milan had already been marked by periods of inconsistency and questions over his attitude. His brief spell at Marseille, unfortunately, followed a similar pattern. The midfielder’s inability to adapt to the team-first mentality required by De Zerbi ultimately led to his exit. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of character and professionalism in top-level football.

The Road Ahead for Marseille

With the distraction of the Rabiot-Rowe saga behind them, Marseille are now focused on climbing the Ligue 1 table and making a statement in domestic and European competitions. De Zerbi’s clear vision and decisive actions have set the tone for a club determined to move forward without compromise.

Opinion: A Bold Decision That Paid Off

In today’s football, where individual stars often dominate headlines, De Zerbi’s willingness to part ways with a player of Rabiot’s caliber shows real leadership. Sometimes, addition by subtraction can be the secret to unlocking a team’s full potential. Marseille are now reaping the benefits of prioritizing unity and culture over reputation—a lesson that many clubs could learn from. For more news, visit for more news.