The mission is accomplished. After the turbulence of the previous weeks, marked by a series of frustrating draws and the controversial defeat in the Champions League against Atalanta, Olympique de Marseille reacted like a boss. By winning seriously against Stade Brestois (3-0) this Saturday at the Vélodrome, Roberto De Zerbi’s men temporarily took control of Ligue 1. A perfect evening, marked by a “clean sheet” and the reconciliation of Aubameyang with the goal, which the Marseille coach visibly savored… with a touch of revenge in his words.
OM regains power: De Zerbi relishes and tackles
Asked about BeIN Sports, Roberto De Zerbi first expressed his pleasure: “ I’m delighted with the game this evening, I had a lot of fun. » But he quickly took advantage of this position of strength to send a message to those who criticized his team during difficult times. “ We started seventh, now we are first. We need to remember this because people might forget it.,” he said, a bit provocative. A way of highlighting the progress made and responding to recent criticism of the quality of the game (“We didn’t play very well against Angers (…) Auxerre the same thing”).
Pavard: “We had to win at home”
This need to react was shared by the players. Benjamin Pavard, solid throughout the match, underlined the importance of this home victory after the points lost recently. “ We had to win at home, we had lost a few points on the road against Angers, against Lens,” he said. “We knew that if we won we would be first for a certain time (…) we were solid from start to finishwe must continue like this. » The French defender also welcomed the “clean sheet”, a first in a while.
Aubameyang, from “guilty” to relieved scorer
The other great satisfaction of the evening came from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Author of two assists the previous week but silent in front of the goal, the Gabonese striker broke free by scoring the third goal with a superb half-volley. “ Yes it feels good. I felt a little guilty after the missed chances in the first half,” he confessed. “You must not give up. Super happy with the goal but even more happy with the victory, it allows us to be leaders. »
The strength of the collective before the truce
Aubameyang also insisted on the mentality of the group, a key point to explain this return to the top. “ We decided to create something unique,” he revealed. “The most important thing is to have this group cohesion, to
stay together no matter what happens, no matter what happens outsidewe stay united. » A collective strength which allowed OM to overcome a difficult period and to settle, at least temporarily, on the throne of Ligue 1.
A first place to work peacefully
With this convincing victory, OM therefore secures first place and, above all, a peaceful international break. Roberto De Zerbi’s tackle on his detractors shows that the Italian coach forgets nothing, but his satisfaction at seeing his team “play good football” dominates. The players, like Pavard and Aubameyang, have confirmed their total commitment. Marseille is the leader, and intends to remain so.
