Olympique de Marseille welcomes AEK Athens for the 3rd day of the Europa League group stage, this Thursday (6:45 p.m.). Here is the expected line-up for the Marseille club.
The balance sheet is mixed, but the Gattuso version of Olympique de Marseille leaves a rather positive impression. After a violent and sudden crisis a month ago, the Marseille club let the storm pass to find new benchmarks. Despite this, his new coach will need results. In this sense, the match against AEK Athens scheduled for this Thursday evening is a small turning point in his mandate.
With two points in two matches, collected against Ajax Amsterdam (3-3) and Brighton (2-2), Olympique de Marseille is up against the wall. The Gattuso gang must reap their first success to definitively launch their European campaign. It remains to be seen with which starting lineup. Gattuso especially sought to wash heads after the setback in Nice (0-1).
“On Sunday, I gave them a day off. I didn’t want to see people depressed, because the players had done the right thing against Nice. I saw this rage in their eyes, that they did not accept defeat. We are on the right path. Yesterday and today, we trained well. I didn’t expect a group to follow me so much. It’s been a long time since we won in Marseille. That should motivate us. We must ink it in our heads and our mentalities. I am happy to coach this team. With all the supporters it’s not always easy, but I’m really happy here. The players and everyone at the club deserve great satisfaction. I hope we continue with victories because I’m the first to be upset when we don’t win. »
One thing is certain: Gattuso will have to do without his number goalkeeper Pau Lopez, who will be replaced by Ruben Blanco. “I have no worries, he’s a very good goalkeeper, he knows what he has to do. He gives confidence to his teammates. He knows how to make saves, play on the foot. He conveys confidence, he is a leader for us. » For the rest, all Marseille executives are expected, from Clauss to Rongier, including Mbemba, Balerdi and Kondogbia. Aubameyang should be aligned at the forefront of the attack.
The expected composition of OM: Blanco – Clauss, Mbemba, Balerdi, Lodi – Kondogbia, Rongier – Sarr, Harit, Ndiaye – Aubameyang.
