Mason Greenwood helps Marseille overcome ‘fear’ of playing at home as Roberto De Zerbi opens up on Stade Velodrome ‘mental block’

Marseille have endured some terrible home form this season, and had won just once in five games before their clash with Monaco on Sunday. It is in stark contrast to their away performances, where they have won six and lost one of their seven games. The victory over Monaco marks a potential change in fortunes, with victory sealed by Greenwood's last-minute penalty.

The win leaves Marseille second in Ligue 1, with 26 points from their 13 games. They are seven points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who are yet to lose. They have lost three games this season, but De Zerbi believes they can now put together a run after learning to "express themselves".

De Zerbi told reporters:  “I hope that it is the start of an important story at the Velodrome. Lots of people come to see these matches and it has been a shame to not be able to express ourselves. There was undoubtedly a mental block, with players not necessarily calm, not always clear-headed, with fear of making errors and with anxiety.

“We saw it against PSG, Angers, Auxerre, in the second half against Reims, and even in sequences against Nice – we weren’t ourselves. I am happy to see them express themselves finally and not be at 20-30% of their capacities."

Marseille are next in action against Saint-Etienne on Sunday as they aim to continue their superb away form.