OM: Roberto De Zerbi calms things down around Amine Gouiri

OM: Roberto De Zerbi shields Amine Gouiri

OM: Roberto De Zerbi calms things down around Amine Gouiri

Transferred to Olympique de Marseille last winter and impressive in the second half of the season, Amine Gouiri is currently going through a much tougher spell. Sometimes benched, repositioned as a number 10, or replaced up front by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Algerian international is experiencing the worst start to a season in his career from a statistical standpoint. In six matches played, he has neither scored nor provided a single assist—a stark contrast to his deadly efficiency just a few months earlier.

De Zerbi urges patience and backs his player

Fully aware of his striker's struggles, Roberto De Zerbi refuses to give in to external pressure. At a press conference, the Italian coach defended his player:

"Amine, you shouldn't listen to the critics. You haven't scored, but you defended, you helped the team. The goals will come."

For De Zerbi, Gouiri remains a perfect complement to Aubameyang, capable of bringing more than just finishing: build-up play, defensive effort, and teamwork. The coach also reminds everyone that last season, the Franco-Algerian delivered crucial goals, including a memorable acrobatic bicycle kick.

🚨Les mots très émouvant de Roberto De ZERBI sur 𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗨𝗜𝗥𝗜🇮🇹❤️

"Je lui ai dis de ne pas écouter les critiques et d'oublier le fait qu'il ne marque pas. Nous l'aimons beaucoup et l'important c'est son apport à l'équipe. Les buts arriveront" pic.twitter.com/yDY9GC0554

— 𝙂𝙤𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙞 𝙁𝙧🇫🇷 (@Gouiri_France) September 29, 2025

At 25, Gouiri stands at a crossroads. His trajectory at OM will depend on his ability to overcome this goal drought and rediscover the confidence that once made him so effective. The competition from Aubameyang, a proven scorer, adds extra pressure, but De Zerbi insists on the importance of rotation and each player's role. For the Algerian international, it's no longer just about scoring—it's about proving he can be a pillar of Marseille's project. Marseille, searching for consistency, will need the real Gouiri back to remain competitive on all fronts.