Roberto De Zerbi clashes with Marseille player in intense training incident.

Marseille Releases Training Ground Altercation Between De Zerbi and Kone

Marseille has released footage of a confrontation between head coach Roberto De Zerbi and midfielder Ismael Kone during a training session last season. The incident occurred as Kone was dispossessed in training, leading De Zerbi to direct him to leave the session. Kone was then told to call his agent, which escalated the situation.

De Zerbi repeatedly instructed Kone to contact his agent as the midfielder walked away. The coach shouted after him, prompting Kone to turn around. The altercation was diffused by coaching staff and players who intervened to prevent further escalation.

In a documentary, De Zerbi expressed that Kone's performance level did not meet the club's standards, despite recognizing the player's potential. Kone, who joined Marseille from Watford for £15 million, was subsequently loaned to Rennes after just six months.

Marseille's sporting director, Medhi Benatia, acknowledged that Kone may have underestimated the expectations at the club. Benatia highlighted the need for Kone to put in more effort and adapt to Marseille's standards, emphasizing the importance of understanding the club's ethos.

De Zerbi's interaction with Kone was part of a series of incidents captured in the documentary, showcasing the coach's approach to managing player discipline. Despite the clash, Kone later scored against Marseille while playing for Rennes. He has since been loaned to Sassuolo, with the option for a permanent transfer to the Italian club.