It’s been a long time since the people of Marseille woke up with such a big smile on a Monday morning. Olympique de Marseille indeed hosted AS Monaco on Sunday evening, on the pitch of the Vélodrome stadium, during the 13th day of Ligue 1. Although trailing by the score, Roberto De Zerbi’s players managed to overthrow the Monegasques to lock a precious success in front of their audience, to move up to 2nd position in the championship, behind Paris Saint-Germain. By scoring two goals against Monaco, OM have officially scored 30 goals after their first 13 matches in Ligue 1 this season. His best total in the elite at this stage of the competition since the season under Roger Rolhion in 1954. Roberto De Zerbi has now taken 26 points after his first 13 matches on the Marseille bench in the league, the best start for a manager with the Marseille club in the elite since Marcelo Bielsa in 2014 (28). But defensively, the problems and wanderings still persist.
After Sunday’s meeting, Roberto De Zerbi did not hide his joy at becoming runner-up again, but also wanted to put things into perspective: “I have to stay consistent with what I said after the defeat against Auxerre and taking 3-1. I did not come to Marseille for second place, but to achieve the best possible result, to put OM back where they deserve. In my way of thinking, being second tonight is worth zero“, declared the Italian coach. At the same time, the road to the title, or even the assured podium, is still long for OM. Despite a positive start to the season, this Marseille team has obvious shortcomings, particularly on the defensive level. But fortunately for Marseille, the winter transfer window is fast approaching and the first leads are starting to leak.
An arrival in the form of a loan?
Indeed, according to information from The TeamOlympique de Marseille would actively look into the profile of Sacha Boey. As revealed several times in recent weeks, Roberto De Zerbi has requested reinforcements for his defense, notably with a recruit on the right wing, while Amir Murillo is starting to attract some covetousness. Sacha Boey therefore ticks many boxes, even if the latter still likes at Bayern and intends to win in Germany after his serious hamstring injury, followed by a muscle tear: “obviously, on the truly individual aspect, he helps me a lot. Well already, he speaks my language so that helps and he gives me a lot of advice. When a former great defender like him gives you advice, you obviously listen more. I am confident this year for the championship, the Champions League, etc. We will try to take everything. The objective is to take as many titles as possible“, the French full-back told us a few weeks ago in an exclusive interview. But how will Bayern Munich react to this confirmed interest? That’s the whole question in this matter.
Returning from injury, Sacha Boey is still under contract with the Bavarians until June 2028 and is still part of Vincent Kompany’s plans who wants to take his time so as not to rush his return. If a direct transfer seems out of reach for OM today, a loan could well be negotiated. In any case, this is what the French newspaper reveals. No discussions have yet started between the leaders of the two clubs. No direct contact has even been established with Bayern Munich. But Sacha Boey is one of the ideas of Olympique de Marseille, currently being debated within the Marseille management. Former Bayern player, Medhi Benatia could well play a leading role if this file were to accelerate in the coming weeks, while the winter transfer window officially opens in less than a month. As a reminder, OM had already examined the possibilities of Kiliann Sildillia and Danilo last summer in this position.
