# Marseille vs Strasbourg: Les Phoceens Seek Redemption After De Zerbi Departure

URL: https://technosports.co.in/marseille-vs-strasbourg-les-phoceens-seek-redemption/  
Published: 2026-02-14  
Updated: 2026-02-14  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

**Marseille** host **Strasbourg** at Stade Vélodrome on Saturday afternoon in their first match since parting ways with manager Roberto De Zerbi. After suffering a humiliating 5-0 defeat to PSG, Les Phoceens desperately need to avoid consecutive Ligue 1 losses for the first time this season.

## Marseille vs Strasbourg Match Essentials

| **Details** | **Information** |
| --- | --- |
| **Kick-off** | Saturday, Feb 14 – 4:00 PM CET / 3:00 PM GMT |
| **Venue** | Stade Vélodrome, Marseille |
| **League Position** | Marseille 4th (3 pts behind Lyon) / Strasbourg 7th |
| **Recent Form** | Marseille LWWDL / Strasbourg LLWDL |
| **Prediction** | Marseille 2-1 Strasbourg |

## Marseille’s Crisis Point

What a dramatic week for Les Phoceens! Last weekend’s 5-0 thrashing at Paris Saint-Germain—their worst defeat this season—cost Roberto De Zerbi his job. The former Brighton boss and the club mutually agreed to part ways mid-week, leaving Marseille searching for new leadership while battling to maintain their Champions League qualification spot.

The humiliation at Parc des Princes saw Marseille concede as many goals in 90 minutes as they had in their previous three Ligue 1 matches combined. More alarmingly, [Marseille](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympique_de_Marseille) now sit just three points ahead of third-placed Lyon in the race for automatic Champions League qualification.

![Marseille](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/image-909.png)

However, the Vélodrome has been a fortress—just one defeat at home all season (2-0 to Nantes in early January). The second-highest scoring team in Ligue 1 with 46 goals cannot afford consecutive matches without netting, which hasn’t happened since [March 2024](https://technosports.co.in).

Benjamin Pavard, Emerson Palmieri, and Amine Gouiri started against PSG, while new signing Himad Abdelli made his Ligue 1 debut. Tochukwu Nadi seeks his first cap as the interim management reshapes tactics post-De Zerbi.

## Strasbourg’s European Ambitions

Gary O’Neil’s side arrive in crisis mode themselves. After a promising start to 2026, Strasbourg have lost consecutive matches to PSG (2-1) and Le Havre (2-1), threatening their push for European qualification.

Currently seventh and just one point behind sixth-placed Rennes, Les Racing remain within striking distance of the Europa League spots. They sit only three points behind fifth-placed Lille, making every fixture crucial in this congested [mid-table battle](https://technosports.co.in).

Remarkably, eight of Strasbourg’s nine Ligue 1 defeats this season have come by a single goal—five away from home. Their resilience in tight contests suggests Saturday’s encounter could be equally close.

Injury concerns mount for O’Neil. Maxi Oyedele and Emanuel Emegha remain sidelined with muscle issues, while Abdoul Ouattara nurses a knock. Guela Doué is doubtful with an ankle problem, and Ismaël Doucouré serves a red card suspension.

Chelsea loanee David Datro Fofana seeks his first Ligue 1 appearance for Strasbourg, while Martial Godo—who scored their only goal on matchday 21—leads a depleted attack.

## Historical Context

Strasbourg have enjoyed recent success at the Vélodrome, earning draws in their last two visits (both 1-1). In fact, they’ve collected points in four of their previous five trips to Marseille, showcasing their ability to frustrate Les Phoceens at home.

However, Marseille can complete a league double over Le Racing for the first time since 2021-22—a significant psychological boost during this turbulent period.

## What’s at Stake

For Marseille, victory is essential to restore confidence and maintain their Champions League qualification position. Losing ground to Lyon could prove catastrophic in the tight race for third place.

For Strasbourg, capitalizing on Marseille’s managerial chaos offers a golden opportunity to close the gap on European qualification spots. A positive result would reignite their continental ambitions.

## FAQs

### **Q: Why did Roberto De Zerbi leave Marseille?**

De Zerbi and Marseille mutually parted ways this week following the humiliating 5-0 defeat to PSG—the club’s worst loss this season.

### **Q: Can Strasbourg qualify for Europe this season?**

  
Yes, Strasbourg sit just three points behind fifth-placed Lille and remain in contention for Europa League qualification with their seventh-place position.