Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi defends Ligue 1 and criticizes LFP for its lack of exposure | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has defended Ligue 1 and criticized LFP – Ligue de Football Professionnel, the league’s governing body – for their inability to promote it accordingly. The Italian manager had a rather commendable start to life as a Ligue 1 manager. Despite some setbacks and the fact PSG have tightened their grip on first place with a ten-point lead, De Zerbi’s second-placed Marseille are one of the most exciting Ligue 1 teams to watch. Les Phocéens have won nine games, drawn three and lost three so far.

During his pre-game presser on Friday with Marseille hosting relegation-fighting Le Havre on Sunday, De Zerbi was asked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments regarding Ligue 1. The Al-Nassr winger considers the French top tier as inferior to the Saudi Pro League. The former Brighton and Hove Albion manager categorically denied those claims. “It is a stronger league than people outside of France may think. The players and coaches are very strong, the stadiums are full and the atmospheres are great.”

However, De Zerbi has accused the LFP of not doing nearly enough to promote a league of this quality, lamenting the fact that Ligue 1 games are not being broadcast in his home country. “Maybe this league is badly promoted or not as well as Premier League, Serie A, Liga or Bundesliga”, the Italian said. “I don’t know if this is a communication or a management issue. France is a football-loving country so it’s a shame that it’s not properly appreciated.”

GFFN | Bastien Cheval