Mathieu Valbuena returned to the elimination of OM in the third preliminary round of the Champions League against Panathinaikos. And the former Marseillais did not mince his words.
After finishing 3rd in Ligue 1 last season, behind Lens (2nd) and PSG (1st), Olympique de Marseille had to go through the 3rd preliminary round of the Champions League. Favorites of their double confrontation against Panathinaikos, Marcelino’s men were knocked out, after notably missing out on their first leg in Greece (1-0 defeat). A huge disappointment for the Sky and White, who will play the group stage of the Europa League.
Passed by the Marseille city between 2006 and 2014, Mathieu Valbuena slipped a small tackle to the Marseillais who, according to him, underestimated their Greek opponent, during an interview granted to Foot11.
“French teams tend to underestimate these teams”
“Whether I’m surprised by Panathinaikos qualifying against OM? Halfdropped the international tricolor. In France, we may tend to underestimate the level of the Greek championship. But given the matches, I thought that OM, despite the context, would manage to qualify. Afterwards, I think the level of the Super League has evolved. It may not be the most recognized championship, but there are still some very good teams. »
“Petit Vélo” then recalled that he had defeated OM in the Champions League with his former club, Olympiakos. “If we look at the last three or four years, Olympiakos has always played in the European Cup. We beat OM at home in the Champions Leaguehe remembered. I think French teams tend to underestimate these teams, but when they play European cup matches, they are often surprised. The fervor of the public is also a factor to be taken into account. »
