Olympique de Marseille ended last weekend in second place but level on points with Paris Saint-Germain in first (and AS Monaco in third) after they fought from behind to secure all three points against arch-rivals Olympique Lyonnais in a thrilling 3-2 encounter.
Despite what turned out to be an impressive victory for Les Phocéens in testing circumstances after acting captain Leonardo Balerdi (25) was sent off within the first five minutes, Roberto De Zerbi has warned his side not to be complacent.
The Italian manager believes that Marseille may face an even sterner encounter than what they had to temper against Lyon when they travel on Sunday evening to the Stade de la Meinau to face RC Strasbourg Alsace.
De Zerbi was highly complimentary to Liam Rosenior’s side who sit in tenth after one win, one loss, and three draws. “The match against Strasbourg looks even more difficult than the one against Lyon. We have to be at our best, mentally, physically, tactically.”
The manager further praised Strasbourg, “A strong, attacking, young team, with good players and a clear identity. They’ve played some beautiful matches. We’ll have to know how to suffer, in an atmosphere that promises to be very hot. Strasbourg runs more than Lyon, puts in more intensity.”
“Going to Lyon is always a big game, a prestigious match. Strasbourg, seems less attractive, you might think it’s an inferior team. That’s not true,” Roberto De Zerbi continued in his praise.