‘Those without hunger do not play’ – Roberto De Zerbi explains Michael Amir Murillo banishment

Roberto De Zerbi has delivered a blunt explanation for the decision to sideline Amir Murillo at Olympique de Marseille, insisting that a lack of “hunger” was behind the Panamanian defender’s demotion from the first-team squad.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday ahead of Marseille’s Coupe de France round-of-16 tie against Rennes, De Zerbi confirmed that Murillo had been dropped to the reserve team and encouraged to find a move before the close of the winter transfer window.

Marseille are enduring a difficult run of form, having suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Club Brugge, followed by Champions League elimination and a damaging 2-2 draw against Paris FC in Ligue 1 after conceding a late equaliser. Murillo appears to be one of the first casualties of this poor spell.

“I’ll explain it clearly,” De Zerbi told reporters. “Because things come out anyway – even the false ones. So imagine the true ones. Everyone sees the goals we concede from throw-ins, goals in the last seconds, or when we’re 2-0 up at the 82nd minute and allow teams back into the game.”

While the Italian coach stressed that he accepts footballing mistakes, he drew a sharp distinction between errors and what he perceives as insufficient commitment.

“I accept footballing errors – I make more than anyone,” De Zerbi said. “But there is one thing I want to see from my players: hunger. Everyone must see it. If I take a decision like this, it’s because I have my reasons on the pitch.”

Despite his firm stance, De Zerbi was keen to underline that the decision was not personal. “Murillo is a good person, I like him a lot, and he is a very strong player,” he said. “He is one of the few players who has come to eat at my house. He knows how much affection I have for him.”

The Marseille head coach pointed to Mason Greenwood as an example of the mentality he demands, praising the forward’s recent performance in Paris after months of intensive work behind the scenes.

“If someone doesn’t have hunger, he doesn’t play and he doesn’t come with me,” De Zerbi concluded. “We can lose, but we must lose with hunger. That’s my decision. I’m paid to take responsibility for it – and I do.”GFFN | George Boxall