Ronald Zubar on Marseille Crisis, Wolves Relegation Battle and Why Victor Osimhen Is Africa’s Best Player

Marseille’s Worrying Managerial Pattern

What began as a promising season for Olympique Marseille quickly turned sour following elimination from the UEFA Champions League and the shock resignation of head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

The Olympians, once viewed as genuine Ligue 1 title contenders, now sit fourth in the table, 12 points behind leaders RC Lens.

The instability deepened when sporting director Medhi Benatia departed, leaving the club without both a permanent manager and sporting leadership.

Zubar told Bookmaker Ratings: "It’s a shame because in the last two years, Marseille has sacked almost four or five coaches.

"We need calm around the club. The problem is that the fans demand a lot. Maybe sometimes it’s too much pressure for the players."

Marseille fans recently staged protests ahead of a Ligue 1 clash against Strasbourg, highlighting mounting frustration, but Zubar insists the club must lower expectations in the short term and rebuild gradually rather than chase immediate silverware.

He added: "We have to go step by step, making sure we have a good new manager who can work for two or three years.

"When you expect them to finish second or win the championship and by January you are fifth or sixth, people get upset.

"For me, the Velodrome is a special stadium, a special atmosphere for fans, and Marseille is a special city.

"This is Marseille, and that's why many people around the world love the club."

Wolves Must Go Back to Basics in Premier League Fight

Zubar’s concern extends beyond France. The former defender also addressed Wolverhampton Wanderers’ struggles in the Premier League.

Wolves currently sit bottom of the table with nine points after securing just one win in 26 matches.

The 40-year-old admits Wolves’ situation is painful for him to watch, but he hopes their recent FA Cup win over Grimsby Town, which ended a long wait for an away win, will boost the team in the survival fight.

"I’m sad because it is hard to see the team at the bottom of the league," Zubar said.

"Wolves have to go back to the basics. The basics are to be as strong as you can at home, but it is not the case at the moment.

"If you have a bad start in the Premier League, it is hard to catch up and before you know it, you are too far behind.

"I just hope they can find a way to be stronger and turn this form around by getting some clean sheets because the fans are still behind them."

Osimhen Remains Africa’s Best Player Right Now

Zubar was unequivocal in his praise for Galatasaray’s Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as Africa’s best player and one of the most feared strikers in Europe.

The former New York Red Bulls and Marseille defender applauded Osimhen’s fighting spirit during the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations.

"I watched the Africa Cup of Nations and I like Osimhen, the Nigerian striker," Zubar said. "I like his fighting spirit, the winning mentality he has in him and how he tries to bring every member of his team with him.

"I really wish Nigeria had won AFCON because they deserved it. From the goalkeeper to the strikers, they have the best players in Africa, and I enjoyed their games at AFCON."

Zubar recalled Osimhen’s transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray and highlighted how he has proved critics wrong with his performances in Istanbul.

The 2023 African Footballer of the Year has scored nine goals in 16 matches for Galatasaray, who sit at the summit of the Turkish Super Lig.

"Even when he went to Turkey, people said his career was over, but he is still showing that he is among the best strikers in the world," Zubar added.

"When Osimhen came to France, he was on fire and he continues to develop his game. His attitude can sometimes be a discussion, but as a player I understand it is for the positive because he demands a lot and he is a winner."

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