De Zerbi plays down Højbjerg-Juventus rumours but ‘hard to replace’ Rabiot

Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi admits Juventus-linked Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is unlikely to leave in the January transfer window and says it’s ‘very hard’ to replace Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

De Zerbi released an exclusive interview with Sportitalia, where he also spoke about transfer rumours involving Serie A clubs.

Multiple sources in Italy have reported that ex-Tottenham midfielder Højbjerg has been targeted by Juventus, but the Italian tactician doesn’t see the midfielder leaving next month.

“He’s one of my most trusted men. He’s the vice-captain, the player with the most personality and charisma. I don’t think he’ll be moving,” De Zerbi said.

Last summer, De Zerbi’s Marseille sold Luis Henrique to Inter and Rabiot to Milan, but the former stars of the French club have had a very different start to life at San Siro.

The Brazilian winger has rarely been a starter at Inter and has only collected 362 minutes of football, while Rabiot has quickly become a key Milan player under his ex-Juventus coach Allegri.

“Luis Henrique needs confidence; he has important qualities and needs to show them in an important environment,” said De Zerbi.

“Rabiot is a champion. He’s a great guy and an exemplary professional. There was an issue, there were rules, and the situation escalated. As a player, he’s very hard to replace.”

This is De Zerbi’s second season at Marseille, but the Italian was previously linked with the Inter and Milan jobs.

“No contact with Inter in the summer, none,” said De Zerbi.

“I would like to return to Italy. Milan was my footballing mother. I’m very attached to the old club, to Galliani and Braida and everyone who helped me. I still have a special fondness, a form of gratitude, but I don’t need to close any circle, and my career has moved on without them.”