It is a remodeled and awaited OM which presents itself this Saturday evening on the lawn of Abbé-Deschamps. After three games without a win and growing pressure around the coach, Roberto De Zerbi made a decision. His starting lineup against Auxerre includes several surprises, with two strong decisions which reflect a change of direction in his management of the squad. In a context where injuries are accumulating, the Italian technician has chosen to rely on unexpected profiles to try to revive the dynamic.
De Zerbi trusts Robinio Vaz
The first significant decision concerns the attack. The young Ivorian Robinio Vaz, author of a double against Angers, is this time starting on the left flank in the 4-2-3-1 chosen by De Zerbi. He will accompany Mason Greenwood on the right and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front, with Matt O’Riley supporting him in the playmaker position. This choice relegates Paixao to the bench, a logical sanction after his lackluster performance at the Vélodrome. Another surprise, the tenure of Benjamin Pavard, back in the eleven after several weeks. The former Munich player takes the place of the sidelined Egan-Riley and will form the central hinge with Nayef Aguerd.
If these adjustments attract attention, the rest of the composition confirms the desire for a certain balance. Emerson remains indisputable on the left, Murillo occupies the right lane, while the Vermeeren–Højbjerg duo is brought back to recovery. A stable and hard-working midfielder to secure a team weakened by eight absences. De Zerbi had to compose without Balerdi, Weah, Kondogbia, Traoré, Gouiri and Nadir, all unavailable. Absences which force the coach to make bold choices.
The expected reaction after the black series
“We have to bounce back”warned De Zerbi at a press conference. After dropping five points over the last two days, Marseille no longer has the right to make mistakes. The coach is calling for a burst of pride, a newfound intensity and better management at the end of the match. The group, tired but mobilized, knows that another misstep would worsen the climate around the club.
Faced with an Auxerre in difficulty but eye-catching, OM will finally have to display the control and consistency that they have lacked for a month. The challenge goes beyond simple victory: it is about restarting the machine, reaffirming ambition and validating the choices of a coach under pressure. This evening, the Marseille team is playing for much more than three points.
