If OM are still looking for a player as emblematic as Alexis Sanchez, Gennaro Gattuso and Renan Lodi think they already have him on the squad.
Since the departure of Alexis Sanchez, after a season marked by a short, compact and passionate love affair with the supporters, Olympique de Marseille has been looking for a world-class player capable of having the same impact as the Chilean. Recruited with this in mind, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struggles to convince despite his 5 goals in all competitions. In any case, the public at the Orange Vélodrome does not give him the same credit as the already lamented “Niño Maravilla”.
Gennaro Gatuso may not have a “great player” in the traditional sense of the term at his disposal, but he is convinced that one of his men has the necessary standing to claim this title: Geoffrey Kondogbia. This is what he explained on Saturday, at a press conference, before flying with his team to Lens.
“ Kondogbia is a very high level player, his career speaks for him. (…) The most important thing to emphasize is his humility. It is an example for the youngest. We need players like him to grow.”
Renan Lodi, who had already worked with Geoffrey Kondogbia at Atletico Madrid, went even further.
“ He’s like a brother to me. I don’t speak French yet, it was important for me that he help me. On the pitch he gives everything. I spoke with him before signing here. (…) I like his character, which is exceptional. He’s a great player. He’s a warrior. As soon as he loses the ball he immediately tries to get it back. I’m his number 1 fan! He is complete and I hope he will stay at OM for a long time,” said the Brazilian.
Handicapped by injuries since his arrival at OM, Kondogbia is starting to find consistency and a physical form which allows him to play one match after another. Against AEK Athens, the former Monegasque shined in midfield, for his third consecutive start. Gennaro Gatuso even gave him the armband against the Greeks, a sign of the confidence he places in him. This could be the case again on Sunday during the clash against Lens, since Valentin Rongier has just had knee surgery and Samuel Gigot is not certain of returning to the eleven.
