Goalkeeping Dilemma: Roberto De Zerbi faces a critical decision as Olympique de Marseille prepares to face Lorient in their Ligue 1 clash on Friday, September 12, 2025. The availability of first-choice goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, following his late return from international duty with Argentina, has put De Zerbi in a position where he must consider his options carefully. The match is set to take place at the Stade Vélodrome.
Rulli’s Late Return Creates Uncertainty
The situation stems from Rulli’s involvement with the Argentine national team. Argentina played Ecuador on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, a match they lost 1-0. Although Rulli did not play in the game, the significant travel required has raised concerns about his fitness and readiness to start against Lorient. This presents a challenge for De Zerbi, who must balance the importance of having his preferred goalkeeper in the lineup with the potential risks of fatigue or injury.
De Zerbi’s Perspective
During a press conference on Thursday, September 11, 2025, De Zerbi addressed the media regarding his goalkeeping situation. He specifically mentioned Jeffrey de Lange as a viable option. “De Lange could play tomorrow. He’s a reliable keeper and an important player for us,” De Zerbi stated, according to Get French Football News. This indicates that De Lange is well-prepared and trusted by the coach to step into the starting role if needed. De Zerbi’s comments highlight the importance of having depth in the goalkeeping position, especially considering the demands of a long season.
De Zerbi’s Goalkeeping Philosophy
De Zerbi also provided insight into his broader approach to managing his goalkeepers. “Rulli had a fantastic season last year. He’s started well, but there are a lot of matches to play and I haven’t made up my mind yet,” De Zerbi explained. This statement reveals that while Rulli is highly valued, De Zerbi is committed to rotating and managing his squad effectively throughout the season. This approach is particularly relevant in his second season at Marseille, having joined the club on a three-year contract on June 29, 2024. He understands the need to maintain player freshness and prevent burnout.
Competition and Squad Depth
The situation underscores the competition within Marseille’s goalkeeping ranks. With De Lange ready to step in, it demonstrates that Marseille has capable alternatives should Rulli be unavailable. It also highlights the importance of squad depth in modern football, where teams compete in multiple competitions and face a congested fixture schedule. Rubén Blanco is another goalkeeper listed in Marseille’s squad, though he was notably not selected for European competition earlier in the season, which further emphasizes the trust De Zerbi places in Rulli and De Lange.
Impact on Marseille’s Strategy
De Zerbi’s decision will undoubtedly impact Marseille’s lineup and overall strategy for the match against Lorient. The goalkeeper plays a crucial role in any team, and a change in this position can affect the team’s confidence and defensive stability. If De Lange starts, it will be an opportunity for him to prove his worth and potentially challenge Rulli for the starting spot in the future. Conversely, if Rulli is deemed fit to play, it will reinforce his status as the first-choice goalkeeper and provide Marseille with the experience and quality they need in a crucial league encounter.
The Vélodrome Factor
Playing at the Stade Vélodrome adds another layer of significance to this decision. Marseille’s home ground is known for its passionate atmosphere, and the team typically enjoys strong support from its fans. The goalkeeper, in particular, needs to be mentally strong and capable of handling the pressure of playing in front of a large and demanding crowd. Whether it’s Rulli or De Lange, the chosen goalkeeper will need to be prepared to perform at their best in this environment.
Looking Ahead
Ultimately, De Zerbi’s goalkeeping decision reflects his meticulous approach to squad management and his commitment to ensuring that Marseille is well-prepared for every match. His consideration for player fitness, especially after international breaks, is a testament to his attention to detail. The outcome of this decision will be closely watched as Marseille aims to maintain strong performances throughout the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season. By carefully weighing his options and trusting in his squad’s depth, De Zerbi hopes to guide Marseille to success both domestically and in European competitions. The situation also highlights the unpredictable nature of football, where unexpected circumstances can create opportunities for players to step up and make a difference.
De Zerbi’s careful consideration of Rulli’s fitness and De Lange’s readiness underscores his commitment to strategic squad management. This decision, closely watched by fans and analysts alike, will undoubtedly play a role in shaping Marseille’s performance against Lorient and their trajectory throughout the 2025-2026 season.
