Three days after returning empty-handed from the OL Park (2-1 defeat against the Lyon enemy), the Marseillais must resume the march forward on Friday February 4 (9 p.m.) against Angers. A victory that would erase the regrets of a completely missed second period. “It’s a hard blow, we didn’t think we’d lose”acknowledged goalkeeper Pau Lopez at a press conference on Thursday.
The slowdown of the Marseillais, completely dominated during the second act by Lyonnais who were nevertheless harmless during the first 45 minutes, raises questions. After a very good match in Lens on the last day of the championship and a convincing performance in the Cup against Montpellier, the players of Sampaoli seemed tired in Décines even if Pau Lopez wanted to qualify this impression.
I don’t think there is fatigue. We are ready to play every three or four days. The problem is that we lost the ball, that’s what tired us. When you run after the ball, you physically go down.
Paul Lopezat a press conference
With a third match in six days, Jorge Sampaoli should rotate his workforce. He announced at a press conference that he was going to perform “Changes” without specifying exactly at which positions. The Marseillais will then travel to Nice for their quarter-final of the Coupe de France, before starting the final phase of the Europa League, without forgetting Ligue 1 in which they are fighting for second place. A very dense schedule with seven matches in three weeks on the program.
In addition to their slowdown, the Marseillais also lacked realism against apathetic Lyonnais in the first period. A recurring evil. With 31 goals scored, the Marseillais are only the ninth attack in the championship. Luis Henrique, holder in the last three meetings, illustrates this lack of edge with a reading of the game that is not always optimal.
An offensive inefficiency that had already failed them in the Coupe de France against Montpellier where they had to go as far as penalties to qualify despite dominating the whole match. Sampaoli’s choices to sometimes do without a real top striker are the subject of recurring criticism. “I also have to think about the defensive aspect, see if it’s better to play with ‘Dim’, with a 9, with a winger. ‘Arek’ (Milik) has to be complementary, integrate”replied the Argentine technician at a press conference.
focus on #OMSCO pic.twitter.com/rGOW5xyf0e
– Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) February 2, 2022
Arkadiusz Milik or Cédric Bakambu, newcomer, could be a solution against Angers to try to find the way to the goal. It remains to be seen if Sampaoli will change his offensive animation. The disciple of Bielsa has not lined up a professional number 9 at kick-off for four games and the draw against Lille (1-1).