Roberto De Zerbi has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo after he claimed the Saudi Pro League is "better than Ligue 1". Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo said: "Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has PSG. The rest are finished. Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see. It is difficult to become champion in Saudi.
"This year Al-Hilal are better, Al-Ittihad are top of the league, but I believe that we have to push hard to be champions. I've been champion everywhere I have (played) and I believe I will be champion, but I've won this trophy for scoring so many goals and assists and maintaining my level.".
De Zerbi currently manages one of the clubs Ronaldo described as "finished", having taken charge of Marseille after he left Brighton at the end of last season. Marseille currently sit second Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain and De Zerbi believes it is a "stronger league than people outside of France may think".
When asked about Ronaldo's comments, the Italian suggested that league officials may be to blame for the way Ligue 1 is perceived by those who have not been involved with it. "It is a stronger league than people outside of France may think," De Zerbi insisted.
"The players and coaches are very strong, the stadiums are full and the atmospheres are great. Maybe this league is badly promoted or not as well as Premier League, Serie A, LaLiga or Bundesliga. I don't know if this is a communication or a management issue. France is a football-loving country so it's a shame that it's not properly appreciated.".
