Arthur Vermeeren looks back on Marseille spell under De Zerbi and clashes

Arthur Vermeeren, the Belgian midfielder now at Royal Antwerp, revisited his time at Olympique de Marseille after joining in summer 2025 from RB Leipzig on loan and leaving in the summer transfer window. His OM season brought 26 appearances across all competitions, just six full matches, two assists, no goals, and a red card against FC Nantes.

In comments shared by RMC Sport, he recalled public criticism from Roberto De Zerbi about his lack of impact in duels. Vermeeren insisted it wasn’t meant “maliciously”: «De Zerbi is just very imposing and direct… De Zerbi gave me a lot of trust». He added that after a mistake he played very little in the following weeks and months, and said they spoke several times, though he wouldn’t disclose what was said.

He also denied a rumour of a bust-up with Geoffrey Kondogbia during a training session in early 2026 amid a tough spell. «A joke… there were strong challenges and frustration, but a fight? Not at all», he concluded.