Marseille’s dressing room reportedly descended into anarchy after they lost their Ligue 1 opener – with one English player being targeted by multiple team-mates.
The mood reportedly turned toxic as several key names voiced their frustrations and manager Roberto De Zerbi delivered a crude speech.
Marseille fell 1-0 to Rennes on Friday night after conceding a stoppage-time goal – despite having a one-man advantage – and have already fallen prey to the psychodrama and tumult which often afflicts them.
According to RMC Sport, English winger Jonathan Rowe, 22, formerly of Norwich, was the target of multiple team-mates’ ire.
He was allegedly accused of not putting in enough effort and became involved in a heated argument with France international Adrien Rabiot.
It is thought the episode with Rabiot, one of the top stars at the club, could have consequences for Rowe’s future, as he is one of the most likely to be on th chopping block this transfer window.
Marseille reportedly had another meltdown on Friday, with Roberto De Zerbi telling his players they have ‘small balls’
English player Jonathan Rowe was reportedly the subject of his team-mates’ ire
Apparently Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Geronimo Rulli, and Leo Balerdi also contributed strong words to what was a very disappointed dressing room.
But the most convicting of all came from the mouth of manager Roberto De Zerbi, formerly of Brighton, who said: ‘The others beat us on the pitch, and we come in here and fight among ourselves.
‘You know what that means? That we have small balls. In Marseille, we need to have big ones.’
De Zerbi reportedly let the players squabble among themselves before intervening with his damning speech.
Marseille had put out a strong side for their season opener in Rennes, with former Premier League players in Mason Greenwood, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
This is not the first time that Marseille have been involved in heated scenes – they are, after all, one of France’s most passionate clubs.
De Zerbi has become more consistent with his outbursts and hit out at the quality of refereeing in Ligue 1 last season.
‘I’m Italian, and after OM I’m not going to coach in France again,’ he said after Derek Cornelius was sent off in February.
Adrien Rabiot and Rowe became involved in a heated confrontation but exchanged no blows
Marseille put out a strong side including Mason Greenwood but lost 1-0 to Rennes
‘There’s a problem in the French championship, if French people are happy with this level of decision making, then good for them. But today it was scandalous.
‘The referee was not in [the right state of mind to officiate] this match because of all the controversy surrounding him.’
Marseille finished second last season and will be widely expected to compete at the top end again this campaign.