‘This is now between Adrien and the club’ – Roberto De Zerbi takes step back from Adrien Rabiot saga | OneFootball

Adrien Rabiot’s future at Olympique de Marseille remains unresolved heading into the final days of the transfer window – and Roberto De Zerbi has now reportedly distanced himself from the situation, according to a report from L’Équipe.

The Italian coach surprised many last weekend when, after OM’s 5-2 win over Paris FC, he suggested there was still a chance to “repair things” with the France international during post-match press conference. That marked a break from the firm stance of president Pablo Longoria and director of football Mehdi Benatia, who had moved to place Rabiot on the transfer list following his altercation with teammate Jonathan Rowe after the defeat to Rennes earlier this month.

Rowe has since been moved on to Bologna, as planned, while Rabiot continues to train apart from the group. But the midfielder remains in Marseille – and the uncertainty around his status dominated De Zerbi’s pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of OM’s trip to Lyon.

“This is now between Adrien and the club,” said De Zerbi, seeking to clarify his previous remarks. “It wasn’t against the president or the club. I advised Rabiotto go to the club, to apologise for what happened in Rennes, because things have been amplified by his entourage. If there is humility, perhaps things can be rebuilt. If ego and pride get in the way, then I don’t know.”

Longoria, speaking at Thursday’s Champions League draw also attempted to cool speculation, insisting that his comments on Canal+ about an “open door” had been misinterpreted: “That applies to every player, not only Adrien.”

Despite apologising for his clash with Rowe, the more damaging issue for the club remains the public criticisms levelled by Rabiot’s mother and agent, Véronique, towards OM’s hierarchy. Negotiations with interested clubs are ongoing, but with the deadline looming, Rabiot’s future remains unclear.GFFN | George Boxall