Marseille coach De Zerbi defends ‘strong’ Ligue 1

Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi has defended French football, saying Ligue 1 is stronger than it is given credit for abroad but has not been sold well as a product.

“I think Ligue 1 is a stronger league than people think abroad,” De Zerbi said on Friday as the Italian was asked for his view on the game in France, where he arrived ahead of this season.

“It is probably badly sold by those in charge,” said De Zerbi, who had spent the previous two years as coach of Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Premier League.

The former boss of Sassuolo in Serie A and Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk has led Marseille to second place in Ligue 1 after 15 games, although they are 10 points behind runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning champions.

“Outside of France, Ligue 1 is considered a low-level championship, but it’s not the case at all,” added the Marseille coach, whose team face Le Havre at home on Sunday.

“There are really good players and coaches, full stadiums and great supporters.”

Ligue 1 has long been seen as the poor relation of Europe’s biggest leagues in England, Spain, Germany and Italy, while its clubs regularly underperform in continental competitions.

The French league has also been undermined by a broadcasting deal which sees it earn far less than its rivals.

“I think Ligue 1 is not sold as well (as a product) and does not have the same light shone on it as the Premier League, which is the best league in Europe, or Serie A, La Liga and the Bundesliga,” said the 45-year-old De Zerbi.

“I don’t know if it has been badly managed, or just badly sold abroad. In Italy in any case, nobody can see Marseille’s games and that is a shame.

“Players move on from Ligue 1 to play in England, Germany and everywhere.

“France is a country that loves football. It is a shame that it is not appreciated abroad for what it has to offer,” added the Italian.