Roberto De Zerbi issued a defiant response to Cristiano Ronaldo after he claimed that Ligue 1 clubs are ‘finished’.
Footballing legend and Al Nassr star Ronaldo recently said the quality of the Saudi Pro League has surpassed that of France’s top division.
“Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course,” he commented. “France only has PSG [Paris Saint-Germain]. The rest are finished.
“Try to sprint in 38, 39 40-degree weather and see.”
De Zerbi is the current manager of Marseille, whose nine Ligue 1 title wins is the third highest tally in the history of the French top-flight.
The Italian has only been in the league since June, but has shown his defence for it following Ronaldo’s controversial view.
“It is a stronger league than people outside of France may think,” he insisted via The Mirror.
“The players and coaches are very strong, the stadiums are full and the atmospheres are great.
“Maybe this league is badly promoted or not as well as Premier League, Serie A, LaLiga or Bundesliga.
“I don’t know if this is a communication or a management issue. France is a football-loving country so it’s a shame that it’s not properly appreciated.”
De Zerbi’s response follows a passionate reply from former France international Adil Rami, who played for Lille, Marseille and Troyes.
“He talks s***,” he said on a Twitch live stream. “You want me to show you images of the defenders in Saudi Arabia.
“It’s not because he’s had a crazy career that as soon as he says something it’s the truth. I think it’s a PR stunt.
“We have defenders, they are machines! You put him in Ligue 1 and he gets eaten.
“Cristiano Ronaldo, you know, I’m a fan. I’m Team Cristiano Ronaldo but he made a mistake.
“When he says that the Saudi championship is better than the one in France, he brings a lot of people with him.”
De Zerbi is seven months into his stint at Marseille since he left Premier League outfit Brighton at the end of last season.
He has so far guided them to second in Ligue 1 behind the unbeaten PSG after a 5-1 thrashing of Le Havre on Sunday.