What has gone wrong at Marseille for Mason Greenwood?
03/25/2025 09:58 AM
Since the turn of the year, things have been far from rosy for Olympique de Marseille’s statement signing in the summer. Earlier today, local paper La Provencereported that Mason Greenwood (23) has until the end of season to win back the trust of manager Roberto De Zerbi. If not, it could see the Englishman leave Marseille as early as this summer, according to RMC Sport.
Despite being one of Ligue 1’s most prolific scorers in the first half of the season with 15 goals, he has come under fire from the Italian coach for his effort and mentality over the last two months. De Zerbi said at a press conference attended by Get French Football News“I expect more from him. He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough. If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined."
This was before he was dropped during Marseille’s defeat two weeks ago to Racing Club de Lens at the Vélodrome. Upon his entry on the pitch, the Englishman put in one of his most absent performances for OM and earned himself a 3 in our Player Ratings from the game. Greenwood was then also dropped for Bilal Nadir for Marseille’s clash against Paris Saint-Germain before the international break, with his performance coming off the bench being slightly improved.
Greenwood has been relying on his offensive output to leave behind his other responsibilities in build-up play and defensively. This is what a source close to the dressing room, speaking to La Provencehas claimed. “There have been far too many matches where he thought that scoring a penalty or making an assist gave him the right to hide in defence, and that’s a big mistake.”
Greenwood returns early from International Break
The Marseille attacker reportedly returned early from the rest days offered by Roberto De Zerbi during the international break in a bid to prove his dedication and rebuild trust with his coach. According to La Provence, the approach had been received by De Zerbi and the club’s hierarchy, who could lose patience if his dip in work-rate continues at this pace.
The Englishman joined Marseille this summer from Manchester United in a deal worth around €31.5m and was one of the league's best attacking players at the beginning of the season.
The former Red Devil was aiming to rejuvenate his career at the Stade Vélodrome since his departure from England. The striker was charged with in 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault. He was subsequently frozen out at Manchester United and spent the following season on loan at Getafe. All charges have since been discontinued with the player in question denying all allegations.
GFFN| George Boxall – Reporting from Marseille.
