Le Havre-OM: Roberto De Zerbi's press conference

Roberto De Zerbi: ‘If we think it's going to be an easy game, we're wrong.’

Preparation for the match and the content of recent games

We're in good shape, we feel good, we've played well, but Lille is in the past. We're focusing on what's ahead and doing what it takes to play a good game. Against Lille, we knew we had to put in a great performance. We have to do the same tomorrow, we have to play as a team, and if we do that, we can beat any team.

The physical challenge of HAC

They're a lively, physical team with good players. We'll have to play a big game to win. There's no magic formula.

Ulisses Garcia

He's playing because he's in good form at the moment. Quentin Merlin has pushed hard throughout the season. But I mustn't be influenced by those who have played a lot. Ulisses Garcia is playing because he deserves to play. Every game is a fresh start for him. What he did against Lille, Brest or Monaco doesn't count.

De Zerbi's OM quoted by Xavi

Of course it's nice, especially from a coach like him. He was a champion, it's nice. It made me smile. In terms of the quality of the game, we can do better. I'm happy with our results because we've done more than I expected. We have more points. In terms of the game, we could do more and better. We should have done better. We'll try to improve.

What has changed since the start of the season

It's not the players' characteristics that made me change. It's the moments. A coach has to make courageous choices. At the time of the change, I thought we had reached a point where we were too predictable. We were building the game with three players when we had the ball. At the beginning, we had players who were good in one-on-one situations and in the channels. With three players, we won important matches, such as against Lyon and Monaco, and we drew against Lille. I want the players to play in their positions. I have to take into account the team's current situation. This year has helped me a lot in my development.

Overconfidence

For you, it's an easy schedule, but in my position, the schedule isn't that simple. Tomorrow's game is difficult, especially right now. Tomorrow, after the game, we can talk about another game, but right now, it's a difficult game. They picked up points in Monaco, they're going to play an important game. If we think it will be an easier game than Lille, we're wrong.

Short passes

Do you know why Rulli made a mistake? It's because he wanted to play long. There's no problem with that. If someone makes a mistake, just once... If he had played short, we wouldn't have conceded the goal. The pressure you apply depends on the number of players you're up against.

The UNFP Awards

Those five coaches are great coaches, Luis Enrique, Monaco... There's no jealousy. It annoys me more not to see Rabiot or Greenwood among the best players. I smoked a few more cigarettes and moved on.

Difficulties away from home

It's inexplicable. Before, we used to win away, now we win at home. We talk about it with the staff. We have to take the points at home so that the Orange Vélodrome becomes our ally. And we've done that. It's one of the strange things about this season.

Jonathan Rowe

We were defending with five players, which hurt us. He also hurt himself. He had to adapt to a new club, a new country and new teammates. I have no doubt about his qualities.

Ligue 1

I read Luis Enrique's comments about Ligue 1. It's a difficult league with very heated stadiums. No one knows how many good coaches there are in France, how many good players there are. Maybe it's not well managed by those involved in French football.