Mason Greenwood was a surprise omission from the Marseille starting line-up for their defeat to Lens with the coaching staff reportedly unimpressed with his recent attitude
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Updated 15:50, 11 Mar 2025
RENNES, FRANCE - JANUARY 11: Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Ligue 1 match between Stade Rennais FC 1901 and Olympique de Marseille at Roazhon Park on January 11, 2025 in Rennes, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Mason Greenwood has been the topic of conversation in France
(Image: Franco Arland, Getty Images)
Mason Greenwood was reportedly dropped by Marseille as a result of his below-par workrate.
The ex-Manchester United forward, who is the second-highest scorer in Ligue 1 with 16 goals to his name, was dropped for the French giant's clash against Lens by ex-Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi. He has become a big player for the club ever since he left the Red Devils for Marseille on a permanent deal last summer.
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Greenwood did come off the bench at half-time during the 1-0 defeat, but his omission from the starting XI prompted many questions. Reports from France claimed there has been some frustration towards the former United academy graduate's recent efforts.
RMC Sport has reported rising tensions within the Marseille coaching team regarding Greenwood's "nonchalance", "attitude" and "lack of effort" behind the scenes. The report also suggests a disconnect between Greenwood's talent and his contribution to the squad, hinting that the choice to bench him was intended to motivate him to elevate his performance levels.
De Zerbi recently voiced his expectations of Greenwood last week, despite holding the player in high regard and being eager to bring him to Marseille.
The Italian said: "I wanted him here, I said it over and over again. He was the first player I contacted, even before I signed for OM.
Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi
De Zerbi sent a firm message to Greenwood(Image: ARNAUD FINISTRE/AFP via Getty Images)
"I had already spoken to his father. No one can have more respect for him than I do. But that doesn't change anything: I expect more from him.
"He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough. If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.
"Otherwise, we as a team always fall back into the same pattern: a very good match, then a defeat at Auxerre, then a victory against Nantes... It's too irregular, it's like waves. And that's something I don't like."
Mason Greenwood looking frustrated on the pitch for Marseille
Mason Greenwood was dropped by Roberto De Zerbi against Lens
Earlier this month, confirmation came through that Greenwood had decided to represent Jamaica internationally after just one appearance for England. FA chief Mark Bullingham, when asked about the news, said: "So my understanding, and I'd have to double check my understanding, is he's asked to switch. That's happened formally, so he wouldn't be able to because you can only switch once.
"I know people asked Gareth [Southgate] about him and Gareth was up front in that he hadn't been in his thinking, because he hadn't been performing at that level, so I'm not aware of any communication we had with him.
"I don't think there was ever a request or anything like that. It just wasn't one we got to, so it's a personal decision by him."