News
Kondogbia Embraces Defensive Reinvention Under De Zerbi: “The Luxury Is Knowing Who We Are”
In the often-turbulent environment of Olympique de Marseille, filled with emotion, ego, and expectation, Geoffrey Kondogbia is an anchor. Calm, composed, and quietly influential, the 32-year-old has become a mainstay in Roberto De Zerbi’s backline this season, with 19 Ligue 1 starts as a central defender. For Kondogbia, adapting to a high-risk, high-reward playing philosophy has been a test of not only skill but mentality.
The De Zerbi Doctrine: Freedom Demands Discipline
Playing as a central defender in De Zerbi’s high-possession, high-pressing system is no small task. Kondogbia knows that any mistake is magnified when your team spends most of the match in the opponent’s half. “At OM, defenders are some of the players who touch the ball the most. We’re responsible for progressing play, not just stopping it,” he explains. “It takes courage and complete understanding of the coach’s vision."
Defending in such a proactive setup, where Marseille’s backline often faces quick transitions and one-on-ones, demands bravery. Kondogbia insists that it’s worth it for a clear identity. “The real luxury in football is having an identity. You’ll win some, you’ll lose some — but the ability to decide how you do that, that’s priceless,” he reflects. “Not every system is foolproof. But knowing who you are as a team? That’s powerful.”
From Simeone to De Zerbi: Two Philosophies, One Lesson
Having previously played under Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid, Kondogbia has seen two extremes of tactical thinking. Yet, he sees a shared foundation. “At Atlético, everything was about positioning deep and protecting the goal. At OM, it’s the opposite — always high, always with the ball. But both require understanding, structure, and time. De Zerbi, like Simeone, is about building something lasting.”
In Marseille, criticism around "mentality" often emerges after setbacks. Kondogbia finds that term vague. “Mentality? What does that mean? That we don’t want to win? I don’t accept that,” he says firmly. “For me, real mentality is showing up on Monday ready to work again, hungry to improve — no matter the result.”
Rather than question confidence, he believes focus is key: putting energy only into what the team can control. “We’re still third We have our destiny in our hands. That’s what matters. Don’t waste energy on formations or narratives. Just focus on the objective.”
Senior Voice in the Dressing Room
As part of OM’s leadership group alongside Balerdi, Rabiot, Höjbjerg, Rulli and Rongier, Kondogbia has a clear role: bring calm, bring clarity. “Tranquillity is essential. We work better when we’re relaxed and confident,” he explains. “After the Reims defeat, it was about being pragmatic — are we still in control of our season? Yes? Then let’s move forward.”
When De Zerbi imposed an intense training camp at the Commanderie after the Reims loss — including a late Eid celebration for Muslim players — Kondogbia supported the call.
“If the coach believes it’ll help us grow, I’m all in. I told him: ‘If you’re sure this helps us reach the top, let’s do it.’ That’s what leadership means — understanding the bigger picture.”
