De Zerbi And Marseille Facing Champions League Heat In Top-four Battle
Marseille have gone from coasting towards Champions League qualification to finding themselves embroiled in a fierce battle, but Roberto De Zerbi remains optimistic that his team can handle the pressure and secure a return to Europe's elite competition.
With Paris Saint-Germain already confirmed as Ligue 1 champions for the fourth consecutive season, the focus in France has shifted to the fight for the remaining Champions League spots. PSG now have a weekend off to prepare for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa.
At least six teams are in contention for the two automatic Champions League places and one spot in the preliminary rounds, with Marseille sitting second, just two points ahead of Monaco, who they will face in a high-stakes match on Saturday, renewing a historic rivalry.
Meanwhile, Strasbourg, Lyon, Nice, and Lille are all within three points of Monaco and ready to capitalise on any slip-ups by the teams above them. Strasbourg and Nice meet on Saturday, while Lille and Lyon face tough away games, with Lyon also preparing for their Europa League quarter-final second leg against Manchester United.
Even Brest and Lens remain in the hunt for European places, but it is Marseille who are attracting the most attention.