A victory was needed to maintain hope, and Olympique de Marseille went for it with their guts. Manhandled in the first half and led by Newcastle, the Phocaeans completely turned things around at the start of the second half thanks to a quick double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (46th, 50th). A crucial success (2-1) which allows OM to put themselves back in the race for the Champions League play-offs. When the final whistle blew, relief and pride prevailed among the Marseillais, starting with their coach.
De Zerbi: “Not excellent, but with heart! »
Roberto De Zerbi did not hide his joy, while remaining lucid about the content. “ I’m happy. We didn’t play excellent but it was better than against Atalanta,” he analyzed on Canal+. For him, the key to the match was mental: “ The team played with the ball, and then we put the heart. You have to play like that. » This courageous victory, acquired by overturning an unfavorable scenario, is the mark of a team that does not give up. However, he regrets the overall balance sheet: “6 points is less than what we would have deserved. »
This success also bears the mark of youth. De Zerbi praised the contribution of young people “like Bakola”. And for his first start in C1, Darryl Bakola shone by offering an assist to Aubameyang. A performance praised by the Gabonese striker with a tasty anecdote: “ What’s his nickname? Mesut Özil (laughs). Yesterday before training, I nicknamed him that. It hit the mark. » The young midfielder, moved, had “no words” to describe the “incredible” atmosphere at the Vélodrome.
Aubameyang, the guide and savior
The hero of the evening remains Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Author of a decisive double, he underlined the strength of character of the group: “ We took control of the game again. The coach told us to continue, to believe in it (…) We broke free at the start of the second half. » He highlights the perfect mix between “youth and veterans” as the main strength of this European OM.
The evening was beautiful for all the people of Marseille, including its owner. Frank McCourt was seen “big smile” in the corridors of the Vélodrome, releasing a “ Great, fantastic evening, go OM“. OM is alive, OM has heart, and OM can still dream big in Europe.
