Marseille prepare for Champions League qualification with training camp in Italy

Coach Roberto De Zerbi takes Marseille to Italy for a training retreat as they aim for a top-four finish in Ligue 1 and a spot in next season's Champions League.

Jonathan Rowe of Marseille and Ismael Bennacer of Olympique de Marseille celebrate after scoring during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Marseille and Montpellier on April 19, 2025, at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille, France. Photo by Sylvain Thomas/FEP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Despite not participating in European competition this season, French giants Marseille are determined to secure a return to the continental stage. With their eyes firmly set on qualifying for next season’s Champions League, coach Roberto De Zerbi has taken the squad on an Italian training retreat to boost morale and focus ahead of the crucial final stretch of Ligue 1.

Currently sitting in second place in the French top flight with four games left, Marseille have every opportunity to secure a Champions League spot. However, recent performances have left De Zerbi dissatisfied, particularly after suffering five defeats in their previous seven matches before a dominant 5-1 victory against bottom side Montpellier last week. Despite this, the five teams immediately behind them in the Ligue 1 standings are all within four points of Marseille, meaning the club has no room for error if they are to secure a place in Europe’s premier competition.

Marseille’s ambitions are high, as the 1993 Champions League winners seek to make their return to European glory. After finishing a disappointing eighth last season, the club is determined to bounce back, and the pressure is on De Zerbi to guide the team through the final stretch.

De Zerbi’s Italian retreat: A strategic move for Champions League ambitions

In a bid to refocus the squad, De Zerbi has opted for a traditional Italian approach to motivate his players ahead of the final few games. The Italian coach has chosen to take the team on a “ritiro” – an Italian term for a retreat – to help sharpen their mental and physical preparation for the run-in. This type of retreat is a well-known tactic in Italian football, where players are removed from their usual environment to focus solely on their objectives.

De Zerbi’s decision to travel to Italy highlights his commitment to fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the squad. On Tuesday, the team flew to Rome, where they are based in a luxurious five-star hotel. They have been training in a small stadium on the banks of the Tiber River, with the scenic surroundings providing an ideal backdrop for the squad's preparations. As part of the retreat, De Zerbi and his players also visited the Vatican on Wednesday, aiming to inspire a sense of discipline and focus as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.

“This is not a punishment,” De Zerbi explained after Marseille’s win over Montpellier. “It is just a way to bring us together and refocus on our ultimate goal of qualifying for the Champions League.”

Marseille's final push: Focus on Brest and beyond

The focus now shifts entirely to Marseille’s upcoming home match against Brest, scheduled for Sunday. De Zerbi is making it clear that there is no time to dwell on the retreat or the previous results. The match against Brest will be critical, as every point counts in the race for a top-four finish in Ligue 1.

Club president Pablo Longoria echoed De Zerbi's sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming fixture. "The only thing that counts is the match against Brest," Longoria said in a statement. "The decision to go away on a training camp was taken collectively, at a time when every little detail can make the difference."

After the game against Brest, Marseille may head back to Italy for further preparations as they continue their quest for Champions League qualification. The club’s ambitions are clear – they aim to finish as the best of the rest in France, behind the dominant Paris Saint-Germain.

A squad united in pursuit of Champions League glory

Key players like Mason Greenwood, Adrien Rabiot, and the rest of the Marseille squad will be hoping that the few days spent in Italy will help reignite their form and confidence as they aim to secure a place in Europe’s elite competition for next season.

Marseille’s determination to return to the Champions League is palpable, and with four crucial matches remaining, every decision and detail will be scrutinized. The training camp in Italy reflects a calculated and focused approach to achieving their goal, with the team fully aware that any slip-ups could jeopardize their European aspirations.

As the final stretch of Ligue 1 unfolds, Marseille’s Champions League hopes hang in the balance. With a strong finish to the season, De Zerbi’s side could be celebrating their return to Europe’s top competition, but they must first navigate the challenges ahead with focus, unity, and determination.