De Zerbi wants to be 'one of the most important coaches' in Marseille's history

Roberto De Zerbi reiterated his desire to stay at Marseille long term and "be one of the most important coaches" in their history.

Marseille are currently third in Ligue 1, thanks to a five-match unbeaten streak, and are just two points behind leaders Lens.

However, they could move top of the table on Friday with a win over Lille, as both Lens and Paris Saint-Germain are not in action until Saturday.

Marseille have lost just three games all season, with only PSG and Rennes suffering fewer defeats so far, though De Zerbi has faced criticism.

Despite that, he has no plans to step away from Marseille and instead has plans to make a big impact.

"I still see myself here long-term. I'd like to go beyond three years and be one of the most important coaches here," he said.

"I feel good even amidst the criticism and the commotion. I don't take offence; a lot of the criticism is made in bad faith. I'd like to stay here for a long time if everyone is happy. It's a privilege to work here."

De Zerbi is also already thinking ahead to the new year, as he tries to balance squad rotation with his ambition for the club.

Marseille are currently 21st in the Champions League table on six points, just inside the play-off places with three games left to go.

And in Ligue 1, they are given just a 5.6% chance of clinching the title according to the Opta supercomputer.

But De Zerbi wants to string together a good run in all competitions to ensure they are fighting on all fronts for trophies by the end of the season.

"I want to arrive in May and be fighting for all the competitions," he added. "I'd like us to continue our run in the Champions League; I'm trying to go all the way.

"Why shouldn't we have that ambition to achieve it? January will be a crucial month because we'll face PSG and Lens in the league, we have the Trophee des Champions in Kuwait, two decisive Champions League matches, and a Coupe de France match if we win the first one.

"To achieve this, we mustn't 'turn on the lights' in January; we have to think about it beforehand, manage the squad without causing too much damage. We have to make the choices beforehand.

"In Metz, [Robino] Vaz started, and we won 3-0; [Amine] Gouiri and [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang were on the bench. Against Auxerre, I didn't play [Igor] Paixao and Greenwood together. Was Mason Greenwood physically fit against Toulouse in the first half? He wasn't the usual Mason Greenwood; perhaps we should have given him a bit of a rest.

"I try to keep all the players involved and make the best choices before matches. Someone criticised me for [Darryl] Bakola, saying I only played him to pull off a brilliant move. People who say that are either acting in bad faith or should find another job.

"With Bakola, I took a calculated risk because he's talented. When it comes to managing young players, I think I know a bit more than you because I've given many young players their chance.

"I know how to manage them, push them a little harder, give them more or less space. But I can make mistakes; I'm not infallible."