Roberto De Zerbi backs Desire Doue but warns he is not yet a game-changer

Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi believes Desire Doue has the same level of talent as Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal, but says the winger still lacks the edge to decide big matches.

Speaking on the Supernova podcast with Alessandro Cattelan, De Zerbi sparked debate after sharing his thoughts on the current state of Italian football. His critique followed Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic 5-0 win in the Champions League final, a result he felt underlined the growing gulf between Italy’s top teams and Europe’s elite.

“Inter is a great team and Simone Inzaghi is a great coach, and there is no reason for a five-goal difference. The problem is that Italian football did not know PSG and was presumptuous,” he said.

He argued Italian teams underestimated PSG’s strengths and lacked preparation for their dynamic style. He also singled out Ousmane Dembele and PSG’s unusual tactical approach as key elements that caught Inter off guard.

Doue, he added, has the ability to rise to Yamal’s level, but still needs time to become that kind of difference-maker.