Olympique de Marseille won against FC Metz this Friday for the 21st day of Ligue 1 (-). A valuable success in the current context.
There is no danger yet in the house, but in Marseille, where everything is burning faster than elsewhere, the alarm bells had already sounded. After a crisis meeting between the players and the supporters groups, the formation of Gennaro Gattuso was expected to turn the corner. Disappointing eighth, eliminated from the Coupe de France, OM was part of this group of teams which had not yet experienced the flavor of a simple victory in Ligue 1, in 2024.
The Metz reception was an ideal opportunity to repair this anomaly. Because despite its mediocre series, Olympique de Marseille could cling to two positive signals: almost equally inconsistent competitors at the top of the table, and a series of matches against opponents within their reach on paper at the end of the season. winter. Parameters to bear fruit on the green rectangle. The promoted Messin, who had 8 consecutive defeats in all competitions, really looked like a victim at the Vélodrome. This was verified in a match which did not reach the heights of virtuosity, but which will have the merit of relaunching this laborious OM.
OM cannot do it
Gattuso’s choices were scrutinized after a highlighted lineup during the Olympico a week ago. Clauss was well aligned from the start this time. Above all, the Italian technician brought out his 3 defender system which had proven itself before the holidays. But this animation was not enough. Without ideas, without speed, the Marseillais once again showed their limits against a low and compact block. The Metz trap closed as the minutes ticked by, until things got complicated when Gigot left his teammates with ten men at the half-hour mark.
Despite this numerical inferiority, Marseille nevertheless found the resources to take the lead thanks to its winter reinforcements. Moumbagna was on the lookout to exploit a precise cross from Merlin and give his team the advantage (1-0, 57th). But it was not enough. Because OM collapsed immediately. Udol tied the two teams with a victorious helmet strike (1-1, 61st). The Messins then closed the store to keep this precious point. A result which really does not suit OM in the current context. This time, it’s really a crisis.
