Despite good intentions, Olympique de Marseille is placing all its energy on the Europa League, the last route, it seems, to obtain European qualification.
Jean-Louis Gasset looks good. The OM coach believes that finishing the Championship in a European place is not utopia. “ I believe that everything is still possible, knowing that there are only four matches left, it is imperative to win on Sunday against Lens », declared Gasset on Friday at a press conference. We said the same thing before the OGC Nice reception two days earlier. And the draw snatched at 10 against 11 against the Aiglons (2-2)further weighed down the Olympians’ chances of ranking well next month.
Before hosting the Racing club of Lens, Sunday evening at the end of the 31e day of Ligue 1, OM are in eighth place, five points behind the Sang et Or (6e). Samuel Gigot and his teammates have not given enough information in the game in recent weeks to believe in a new positive series. THE recurring injuries in the locker room do not help the affairs of the Provençal club either.
After Atalanta, everything is possible
OM would have to win the last four Ligue 1 matches, while they remain in five consecutive matches without a victory, to hope for a ticket for sixth place, synonymous with… a play-off for the Europa Conference League. No, the easiest way is still the continental route. Semi-finalist of the Europa League, OM has every interest in betting on the C3. Certainly, Atalanta Bergamo displays a team that is a little more equipped than that of its Marseille opponent, but the Olympians can rely on their solidarity and a little talent to get through.
And if we are willing to consider the hypothesis of qualification, we know that a final remains a very special match. The difference in level between the teams can be erased during a meeting. The simple fact of playing in a final pushes players to raise their potential. We remind you that the winner of the Europa League will qualify for the group stage of the Champions League. So, yes, OM must give everything for this.
