We expected OM to show their firepower, their ability to ignite matches. But it is in a completely different area that the Marseille club is making its mark. One statistic, just one, has just fallen. And it has something to give pause to the biggest clubs on the continent. Olympique de Marseille quite simply has the sixth best defense of the five major European championships.
OM in the league of the greats
With only five goals conceded since the start of the season, the Marseille rearguard has become a fortress. Only machines like AS Roma, AC Milan, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund do better. This shows the level of performance achieved. Far from the image of a playful but crumbly team, OM has added a new string to its bow: solidity.
This transformation is not a coincidence. It is the fruit of the meticulous work of Roberto De Zerbi and his staff. The Marseille bloc displays impressive rigor and cohesion. A striking contrast with last season, where the defense was often singled out for its swings in concentration. OM have learned to suffer, to defend as a team, and it shows.
A new weapon for De Zerbi
This new defensive base is a formidable weapon for the rest of the season. It offers a solid foundation on which the team can rely, particularly in major events. De Zerbi's OM is no longer just a team that seduces, it is a team that reassures. And that's perhaps what he lacked to take a step forward.
This statistic is a strong signal sent to all of Europe. Marseille is no longer just a spectacular opponent, it has become a formidable opponent. It now remains to be seen whether this solidity can last over time. But one thing is certain: OM's future opponents have been warned. To score in Marseille, you will have to get up early.
