Roberto De Zerbi faces sack risk after Marseille's Champions League exit

AFP reports that Roberto De Zerbi is in "great danger" of being sacked after Marseille were dumped out of the Champions League following a dramatic group-stage conclusion on Jan. 29, 2026. Marseille had lost 3-0 to Club Brugge on Wednesday night and looked to be limping through to the play-off stage, but Benfica's last-gasp 4-2 win over Real Madrid ensured Jose Mourinho's side pipped Marseille to the final qualifying spot.

De Zerbi has come under fire for his poor European record, with former France international Jerome Rothen saying the Italian "couldn't find the ingredients" to make Marseille tick and noting De Zerbi's Champions League tally of "10 matches and one win." The coach himself called the Brugge defeat a "very bad day," admitting Marseille started badly, failed to score and were exposed defensively.

Sporting director Medhi Benatia was also scathing after the result, saying he hoped the players understood the sense of shame and that the night should have consequences. According to RMC Sport, talks are underway and De Zerbi's status at the Ligue 1 club has been "greatly weakened," with his future described as "hanging by a thread." The 46-year-old joined Marseille in 2024 on a three-year deal, and it is unclear if he will remain in charge for their league trip to Paris FC this weekend.

roberto de zerbi, de zerbi sack risk, marseille champions league exit, club brugge 3-0 win, benfica 4-2 real madrid, benfica last-gasp win, de zerbi champions league record, 10 matches and one win, jerome rothen criticism, medhi benatia reaction, future hanging by a thread, marseille third in ligue 1, paris fc league trip, linked with manchester united, former brighton head coach, joined marseille 2024 deal, group-stage elimination, marseille defensive collapse, loss to liverpool 3-0, ivan juric mention, atalanta coach juric, last qualifying spot