Roberto De Zerbi fires dig at Unai Emery after Marseille vs Aston Villa boils over
Roberto De Zerbi told Unai Emery there is no such thing as 'friendly matches' after clashing with the Aston Villa coach in a heated meeting in southern France. Villa lost 3-1 to Marseille at the Stade Velodrome after former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, now 36, came off the bench to score two late goals.
But the bad-tempered clash saw Tyrone Mings grab first-half goalscorer Mason Greenwood by the collar and rip his shirt after the former Manchester United tripped Amadou Onana. The striker kicked out at the Belgian midfielder after evading a number of challenges.
Onana was far from impressed and berated Greenwood, who then laughed in his face. Villa's star then gestured towards his face before Mings stormed in followed by a number of players from each side. Greenwood was taken off the field by De Zerbi in the aftermath.
Emery was furious with Marseille's rough tactics a week before the start of the Premier League season. But former Brighton boss De Zerbi was unimpressed with the Spaniard's reaction.
"He complained to my players. I prefer that he takes care of his players, and I take care of mine," De Zerbi said. "The match was heated, it's good that it's like that, people paid to come to the Vélodrome, when they could have gone to the beach we have to respect them. We should have been more aggressive from the start.
"We are a professional team, like Aston Villa, like Sevilla, there are never really any friendly matches or training sessions. What's important is not to get caught out in Rennes on Friday (Marseille's opening Ligue 1 fixture).
"We have to go there with the same attitude, not act without commitment. Tomorrow (Sunday) morning, we train, no time to have fun or make ourselves look pretty."
Aston Villa move on from France to Spain to take on Villarreal at the Estadi de la Ceramica. The trip marks a return to the Yellow Submarine for Emery after a two-year spell at the club where he won the Europa Leagueand reached the Champions League semi-finals.
It will be the Spaniard's final opportunity to prepare the Villans for their Premier League opener against Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Midlands side will hope to get their campaign off to a quick start against a rival for European qualification.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
18 minutes ago
- The Independent
Tottenham have hope under Thomas Frank and the priority is now clear
'He understands Rome wasn't built in a day. We haven't said to him that we want to win the Premier League this year,' Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said on The Overlap with Gary Neville last week. He'd be wise to take on his own advice. Spurs head into another season with a new manager at the helm as Thomas Frank succeeds Ange Postecoglou at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium helm. That's not to say Postecoglou deserved a third season. It was a series that had run its course with a grand crescendo. Europa League success, while welcomed with open arms in north London, papered over a dire domestic campaign. Spurs, after all, lost 22 league games last season. It was the most by a team that was not relegated in a 38-game Premier League campaign. Emotionally, for supporters, it was sad to see Postecoglou go. He was a father figure who routinely went to bat for the club. However, it was impossible to overlook the tactical shortcomings. Remove the rose-tinted glasses, and the stats outlined a team that lacked structure and was routinely carved open in transition. Ange's gung-ho approach may have appealed to neutrals and rivals, who loved nothing more than watching Spurs crash and burn on a weekly basis. The honeymoon period saw Spurs go unbeaten in the opening 10 matches of the Australian's tenure, picking up 26 of a possible 30 points in the process. And 25 percent of the total points Postecoglou picked up during his reign came in those 10 games. Anyway, enough dwelling on the past, it's time to look to the future, and for supporters to jump on 'Thomas the Frank Engine'. It's been a mixed pre-season for Frank and Spurs, and one compounded by a miserable 4-0 loss at Bayern. That said, Frank oversaw a 'North London derby' win over Arsenal – Pape Sarr's first half strike enough to secure the coveted Herbalgy Trophy in Hong Kong. Draws with Luton, Wycombe and Newcastle hardly inspired confidence. Even so, supporters have welcomed a more regimented-looking Spurs side, with Frank implementing an aggressive, possession-based style of play. While Spurs would press heavily under Postecoglou, the team looks more in sync in a collective push to rob the ball of opponents rather than going forward all guns blazing, leaving gaping holes at the back as a result. There has also been a greater onus on maximising the attacking qualities of full-backs Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie – when fit – and Pedro Porro. Under Postecoglou, the pair would invert into midfield to give the team a semblance of dominance in the middle of the park as they pushed higher up the park. Rather, Frank is relying on the offensive output of the trio as a means of hurting opponents, ensuring their strengths are capitalised upon. To aid their impact, Frank is tasking his wingers with cutting inside from their respective flanks to open up space for the full-backs and create overloads down the right or left flank. Mohammed Kudus, Spurs' marquee addition so far, has quickly won plenty of admirers, and understandably so. The Ghana international, who crossed the great divide from east to north London, ranked second for successful dribbles (92) in the Premier League last season, to provide the required directness that had been found wanting. For context, Spurs' top dribblers last season were Dejan Kulusevski and Spence, with 38 apiece. Considering Frank's use of Bryan Mbeumo last season, the Cameroon international netted 20 Premier League goals, of which 17 were with his left foot, Frank is expected to task Kudus with a similar role. The Dane will certainly hope he can better his five-goal haul in 2024/25. On the opposite flank, there will be a Son Heung-min -sized hole to fill, and Frank does have options in the squad. Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson, the latter of whom Frank wanted during his time at Brentford, all match the 'cut-inside' demands of the new Spurs boss, and in his favoured 4-2-3-1 setup, there will be ample protection for the flair players to work their magic in the final third. The loan arrival of Joao Palhinha adds steel to a previously flimsy midfield, and the arrival of the Portuguese ball winner, who ranks third for tackles (300) since the start of the 2022/23 Premier League season despite leaving for Bayern last summer, will go a long way to ensuring the team aren't caught out time and time again when opponents counter. Conversely, there are understandable concerns about the lack of creativity in the side. Yes, Kudus is a great addition, while the permanent signings of Tel and Kevin Danso add strength, but three of Spurs' top four most creative players last season have either departed the club or are presently sidelined. Kulusevski won't feature again for the foreseeable future, having undergone surgery on his right patella in May, and James Maddison suffered an ACL injury in pre-season against Newcastle, hurting the same knee that forced him off in the second half of the 3-1 Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt earlier this year. It could be seven months before he returns. Spurs either need to dip into the market for a replacement or rely on the likes of Lucas Bergvall or Sarr to shoulder the creative burden in a more advanced role than they are accustomed to. It's not all doom and gloom for Spurs, however. Cristian Romero is expected to assume the captaincy with the club successfully warding off interest from Atletico Madrid for the Argentine, while fellow centre-back Micky van de Ven is likely to benefit from a change in system that'll ease the burden on his chewing gum hamstrings. Palhinha, while not a ball progressor some may hope for, is an astute capture in a previously problematic area. That Spurs don't have a natural creator is a worry, though. The Super Cup meeting with PSG is looming and having been outclassed by Bayern, fans are concerned about similar, or worse, in Udine. It could prove a tough first season for Frank as he looks to build his own 'Rome'.
Scottish Sun
18 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Celtic legend Neil Lennon hits out at BLOODLUST towards Rangers boss Russell Martin as he blasts ‘it's ridiculous'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CELTIC hero Neil Lennon has launched a defence of Rangers boss Russell Martin. The Hoops legend had branded the 'bloodlust' being aimed at Martin as 'ridiculous.' Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 09: Russell Martin, Manager of Rangers looks on prior to the Premier League match between Rangers and Dundee at Ibrox Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by) Credit: Getty 3 Alamy Live News. 3BREDTG Tynecastle Park Edinburgh Scotland, UK. 12th July, 2025. Hearts vs Dunfermline Premier Sports Cup group match. Dunfermline Manager Neil Lennon . Credit: eric mccowat/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our […] Credit: Alamy 3 10.08.2025 Aberdeen v Celtic, SPFL Premiership ……………………………. Kieran Tierney at end with Brendan Rodgers Credit: Kenny Ramsay Having seen-off Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of Champions League qualifying last Tuesday, Rangers fans were expecting big things once again as Dundee travelled to Ibrox on Saturday. Instead, it was more domestic woe for the Light Blues as they needed a last gasp penalty to rescue a 1-1 draw. The Gers have taken just two points from their first two Premiership matches and already trail rivals Celtic by four points. The fans inside Ibrox on Saturday were vocal in their displeasure, resoundingly booing Martin's substitutions and also jeering at the final whistle. It's very early days, of course, but the heat is already on the boss from some sections of the support. Celtic legend Neil Lennon thinks that's 'ridiculous' so early on. Appearing on talkSPORT Breakfast with Ally McCoist, Lennon said: "It's early days. With Rangers, they've got to qualify for the Champions League so there are mitigating circumstances I always think with this time of year. "You're playing tough European games in a midweek and then having to play against a team who are really motivated, I had problems myself as a manager in those sort of spells. "And then Russell's just in the door. He's still got to put his imprint really on the way he wants to play on the team. "But the bloodlust at the minute up here is just ridiculous. Brendan Rodgers video on Tierney being sick "We're talking one or two games and people are questioning his tenure. "Then you've got on the other side of the city people criticising Brendan (Rodgers) or the style of play when they've made a perfect start to the season. "You've just got to be laser focused and try and block out the noise and just not listen to it. "It's ridiculous." Lennon was also referring to Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers' comments in the aftermath of the Hoops' 2-0 win over Aberdeen. Rodgers took issue with criticism of his style of football, saying: "I heard something the other day about 'we don't play good football and we haven't in the last two years.' "So I think there's a number of people that really don't like me here at Celtic. "But with me and looking at the team, I'm really happy to see how the players are, the current players that we have." Going back to Rangers, McCoist stated his belief that Rangers need to strengthen still at the back and in the striker department. But Lennon reckons things are more deep-rooted and it's the entire CULTURE of the club that Martin needs to change first and foremost. He continued: "They've still got a problem with the culutre in the dressing room. "They played great against Plzen and then find it difficult to raise their game for the bread and butter games. "That was so apparent last year when they had some great victories and then couldn't do it in the bread and butter games, particularly at home. "He needs to address that as quickly as possible and just get more consistency out of results. McCoist agreed, responding: "I think you're right. Lenny, it's a mentality thing. It's a mentality issue. "With Rangers and Celtic you can be playing in the San Siro or whever but equal importance is when you go to Fir Park or Pittodrie, it's a mental thing more than anything." Rangers face Viktoria Plzen again tomorrow night with a 3-0 advantage from the first leg. If they finish the job, they'll advance to the Champions League play-off round with a place on the league stage on the line against either Red Bull Salzburg or Club Brugge. Celtic will also enter the competition at the play-off stage and will face either Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava. Have YOU got a point for Kris Boyd? SOMETHING you've just got to get off your chest from the weekend action? A burning Scottish football talking point you can't wait to bring up with Kris Boyd and Roger Hannah? SunSport's GoBallistic show wants to hear from you! So why not help set the Scottish football agenda for the week ahead! Have your say on the game's big topics by emailing us on: GoBallistic@ It's YOUR turn to Go Ballistic! Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Mirror
18 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer agree on Arsenal's title chances as two key points raised
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have discussed Arsenal's chances of finally winning the Premier League title after consistently finishing as runners-up under Mikel Arteta Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer believe Arsenal will once again come up short in the title race, predicting another season of frustration for Mikel Arteta's side. The Gunners have finished runners-up for three consecutive years, but have addressed key areas of their squad during the transfer window to end their wait for a Premier League title. New striker Viktor Gyokeres is the club's most important summer signing following his move from Sporting CP. Throughout last season, the Gunners' lack of a recognised striker was often highlighted as a reason for the club falling behind their title rivals. Martin Zubimendi is a key addition in midfield, while the likes of Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke provide Arteta with a more well-rounded squad. However, Lineker and Micah Richards believe Arsenal could be hampered in the title race for two reasons. When asked about Arsenal's title chances on the Rest is Football podcast, Richards recalled his thoughts from last year: 'It's a hard one because I remember saying last season that I thought Manchester City had won it if everyone stayed fit. If [City] got any injuries, those little injuries could be the difference. 'Bringing in Gyokeres now for Arsenal is massive. And not just because he's a big-name forward. Because of his movement that we talk about with strikers all the time. Havertz is really good, we're all big fans of Havertz, but in a number 10 position where he can create, not leading the line. 'I know [Havertz has] done really good movement when he plays up there but he hasn't got a striker's instinct. So that's why I think Gyokeres is gonna add something really special. 'I still don't know if it's enough to get them over the line. I still don't know. I think one or two injuries and they're back to the same as last season. So I'm going to say challenging but not champions.' Despite working on their squad depth, Richards does not trust that Arsenal's title bid would survive injuries to some of their key players. Premier League legend Alan Shearer also believes that the Gunners will end the upcoming season with a familiar feeling. 'I'd agree. I think they'll challenge, I just think they may fall short again,' Shearer said. 'I like all of their signings. I think that's exactly what they needed. And I still don't think they may be finished yet in terms of bringing players in and certainly players going out. 'I've definitely got them in Champions League but I just don't see them having enough to win the title. Just fall short.' Meanwhile, Lineker agreed with his colleagues that Arsenal will fall short in the title race, pointing out that the club are relying on Gyokeres instantly adapting to the Premier League, though the striker recently impressed in a pre-season win over Athletic Bilbao. The Gunners face a daunting challenge to overcome reigning champions Liverpool, who have made several high-profile moves during the summer. Lineker admitted: 'I think I concur with both of you on that front. I probably wouldn't have said that if it wasn't that Liverpool have strengthened so well. 'A lot too will depend on how Gyokeres does. I mean he scored a terrific goal in pre-season but we all know pre-season is not that important. Although, it is for a striker in terms of that feeling of hitting the back of the net. 'So I think a lot will depend on him but we know he'll get good service. I think they could go close again but I'm going to agree with both of you.'
