Roberto De Zerbi Challenges Mason Greenwood to Emulate Raphinha’s Relentless Intensity

• Mason Greenwood has been challenged by his coach to reach the same relentless levels as a Barcelona winger, Raphinha
• Roberto De Zerbi issued a strong message to his English forward, demanding more than just moments of brilliance
• With injuries piling up and the manager sidelined, Marseille face a stern test as they continue their pursuit of PSG in the French title race

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has urged Mason Greenwood to step up his consistency by mirroring the relentless energy of Barcelona winger Raphinha.

The Italian tactician revealed that he showed Greenwood video clips of the Brazilian star as an example of the level he expects from the English forward in every single match.

Greenwood urged to emulate Raphinha

Speaking ahead of Marseille’s Ligue 1 clash with Strasbourg, De Zerbi explained that while Greenwood’s talent is unquestionable, he needs to add the same tireless pressing and work ethic that have made Raphinha a key figure at Barcelona, as cited by Goal.

Read also

Premier League player heaps praise on Tottenham star Mohammed Kudus

“I showed him Raphinha’s game. On Monday, he sprinted in the second half, drew a foul, and still kept going. That’s what you must do every match, not just occasionally. When he runs, the whole team follows,” De Zerbi said in his press conference.

Raphinha has earned plaudits not only for his technical quality but also for his defensive tracking, pressing, and repeated forward runs that stretch defences. De Zerbi believes it is this mentality that separates good players from those capable of shaping games at the highest level.

The good news is that Mason Greenwood has already shown his ability this season, registering two goals and producing decisive moments such as the pinpoint cross that led to Nayef Aguerd’s winner against Paris Saint-Germain.

However, De Zerbi stressed that the 23-year-old must deliver such performances across the full 90 minutes rather than in isolated spells.

Read also

Weah explains why he would snub $1 billion from Elon Musk for his Ballon d’Or

“You need to bring that influence every week. One game out of five is not enough,” the Italian reiterated.

Meanwhile, Marseille’s squad has been hit with injury problems as Geoffrey Kondogbia and Ahmed Junior Traore remain unavailable, leaving the team stretched as they balance Ligue 1 and European fixtures.

Adding to their challenges, De Zerbi will miss the Strasbourg match after receiving two yellow cards for protesting during the PSG victory. According to Get French Football News, the coach admitted fault but insisted he had not disrespected officials.

“I’m disappointed. I was wrong—not in the words I used, because I didn’t insult anyone—but in the way I reacted,” De Zerbi admitted.

In the meantime, De Zerbi's assistants will take charge on the touchline, but he remains confident the team will maintain their focus and momentum.

Greenwood sparks drama in fiery preseason clash

In a previous report by YEN.com.gh, Mason Greenwood grabbed headlines after being caught up in a heated on-field scuffle during Marseille’s pre-season clash with Aston Villa.

Read also

Jose Mourinho makes fierce outburst at referee after Benfica's draw

The friendly encounter ended in a fiery 3-1 win for the French side, with Villa captain John McGinn briefly restoring parity before Marseille powered to victory.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh