Marseille Coach De Zerbi Claims Greenwood Has Ballon d’Or Potential

Roberto de Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille, has expressed strong confidence in the potential of Mason Greenwood, stating that he believes the player is capable of winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or. Greenwood, who is currently revitalizing his career at Marseille, has already netted 13 goals this season, including a vital brace in a recent 3-2 victory in the Champions League.

Greenwood’s Resurgence at Marseille

Greenwood’s performance this season marks a significant turnaround following a tumultuous period that saw him suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 due to serious allegations. The charges, which included attempted rape and assault, were ultimately discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023.

In a press conference on Friday, de Zerbi highlighted Greenwood’s unique abilities, stating, “I see him every day; he has a huge potential. I don’t see any other players in Europe at the same level.” The coach emphasized that it is now up to Greenwood to harness this talent and strive for greatness. “He has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or. It will be up to him to decide whether he wants to do everything he can to fight for it,” de Zerbi added.

Expectations and Challenges Ahead

While de Zerbi is optimistic about Greenwood’s future, he also noted areas for improvement. “I would like him to be more consistent. I know he needs to press with more intensity and manage the ball better when the team is in trouble,” the coach remarked. He believes that by maintaining possession, Greenwood can help the team advance more effectively.

De Zerbi’s approach to coaching Greenwood is driven by his understanding of the player’s immense potential. “The important thing is that he understands it in three or four years,” he stated. “When he remembers me, he will say, ‘ah, it was the coach who really took my head every day, but maybe in the end I managed to progress.'” The coach is focused on leaving Marseille in a better state than when he arrived, and he aims for Greenwood to evolve into a more accomplished player.

Looking ahead, Greenwood’s future remains uncertain in terms of a return to international competition, but his current trajectory at Marseille showcases a player determined to reclaim his career. As he continues to develop under de Zerbi’s guidance, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can live up to the lofty expectations set before him.