2024-10-26 08:20:00
Thirteen years old. This is the time that has passed since the last time OM won at the Vélodrome against PSG in a Ligue 1 championship match. A humiliating series for the Marseille club which hopes to put an end to it on Sunday October 27 .
Since this 3-0 defeat on November 27, 2011, PSG has gone eleven games without defeat on Marseille’s pitch, with eight wins and three draws. The last confrontation turned into humiliation with OM beaten 2-0 despite numerical superiority in March 2024.
OM shines with its attack
But the past is the past. The first lessons from the 2024-2025 season show that there should be a match this year. Under the direction of Roberto de Zerbi and in the absence of a European Cup to contest, OM are performing brilliantly.
Winners 5-0 against Montpellier last weekend, OM are in third place in the championship, three points behind Parisians and Monaco, thanks in particular to their offensive talents: 21 goals scored in 8 matches, the second highest total of Ligue 1 behind their opponents this evening.
A success which owes a lot to coach Roberto De Zerbi, who arrived in June: “For me, Roberto De Zerbi is a top coach. Since he arrived, the message he sent from the first day, it was different, special, he brings us a lot of things, I’m a child every morning when I’m in front of the videos, the things he talks about, what he offers,” said captain Leonardo Balerdi in a conference. press.
PSG: imperial in Ligue 1, dull in the Champions League
Opposite, De Zerbi’s counterpart, Luis Enrique, will play part of his credibility on this “Classic”. The Spaniard may have been extended until 2027, but doubts are accumulating due to poor performance in the Champions League.
While the French Petits Pounts Lille and Brest collect scalps from big teams, PSG is struggling in the premier competition. After a narrow victory against Girona and a defeat against Arsenal, the Parisians this time conceded a draw against PSV Eindoven. And we are now openly worried about non-qualification in 8e final which would be unprecedented under the Qatari era.
The problems are known: offensive ineffectiveness in front of the goal of Ousmane Dembélé and his partners, coupled with a lack of experience (less than 24 years of average age in the starting eleven). And all it took was a well-organized opponent, intense in pressing and with a little success in key moments to panic the young Parisian squad.
But on the pitches of Ligue 1, PSG remains dominant. Paris is still undefeated since the start of the season. But the Marseillais are ready to fight.
Rabiot, key to the match?
“During the season, there are key matches. It’s a very important match for us in the season. We take it like that”, explains Leonardo Balerdi, rejecting the idea that the Parisians are “no longer scary” . “It’s a great team, they are champions almost every year. But we are going to increase the intensity, we are going to play this match to win because we have no other objective”
One of the key players in the match could be Adrien Rabiot. The former PSG midfielder, who signed to everyone’s surprise in Marseille, will return to his former club for the first time under the colors of the “enemy club”.
“Rabiot is an exceptional player. With the ball, you can see the technique. In the locker room, he’s like a leader. He’s been through a lot in his career. The way he transmits messages in the locker room , you can see that he is an incredible player. He is important for us,” praised Balerdi.
“He did well to choose OM, obviously. It’s always better to have a player like Adrien Rabiot in your team, not as an opponent. He is 30 years old, he knows how to play this kind of matches. We have to “He’s calm, but I like having motivated players who are a little hot-blooded,” adds his coach.
Arriving a month after the close of the summer transfer window, he had not played since July and he had to get back up to speed physically. He had his first start against Montpellier and his duo with Emile Hojbjerg sparked. A duo that could hurt their PSG counterparts.
The 9th day of Ligue 1 will be marked by numerous derbies: the runner-up of PSG, Monaco, will travel to its neighbor Nice. On the other side of France, Lille and Lens will compete in the Northern derby.
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Interview with Football Analyst, Julie Lacroix, on the Upcoming OM vs. PSG Match
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Julie. As we look forward to the upcoming clash between Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain on October 27, 2024, the stakes seem quite high, especially for OM. What are your thoughts on their historical struggles against PSG at the Vélodrome?
Julie Lacroix: Thank you for having me! It’s certainly been a long and painful drought for OM fans, with that last victory against PSG dating back to 2011. The nine-year winless streak at home really adds to the pressure this weekend. Marseille has a lot to prove, especially given their recent strong form under Roberto de Zerbi.
Editor: Yes, despite past losses, OM’s attack appears to be flourishing this season. How has De Zerbi influenced the team’s performance?
Julie Lacroix: De Zerbi has transformed the team’s mentality and approach. His emphasis on attacking football has resulted in a staggering 21 goals in just 8 league matches, the second-highest in Ligue 1. Players like Leonardo Balerdi have praised his innovative training methods, which seems to have reinvigorated the squad. There’s a sense of excitement and belief around the team heading into this match.
Editor: In contrast, PSG seems to be facing some challenges, particularly in the Champions League. How might this affect their confidence going into the match against OM?
Julie Lacroix: Absolutely, PSG’s struggles in Europe are bound to impact their morale. While they remain undefeated in Ligue 1 and are performing well domestically, the pressure is on Luis Enrique, especially following a series of underwhelming results in the Champions League. If they can’t convert their dominance in league play into European success, it might create cracks within the squad, especially given their relatively young starting eleven.
Editor: There’s some talk about Adrien Rabiot being crucial in this match. Do you think he will play a key role for PSG?
Julie Lacroix: Rabiot’s experience and ability to control the game from midfield could be vital. He has the skill set to dictate the pace and link the play effectively, which will be essential against a high-pressing OM side. Whether he can manage the pressure of this “Classic” remains to be seen, but he certainly has the potential to be a game-changer.
Editor: With so many dynamics at play, what’s your prediction for the outcome of this match?
Julie Lacroix: It’s a tough call. Given OM’s current form and playing at home, they could very well end the streak and grab a much-needed victory. However, PSG’s experience and strength in Ligue 1 can’t be overlooked. If I had to choose, I might lean slightly towards a draw, but it could go either way. It’s set to be an exciting match!
Editor: Thanks, Julie, for your insights! We’ll definitely be tuning in to see how it unfolds.
Ies of disappointing results in the Champions League. If they can’t resolve their issues in Europe, it could lead to cracks in their confidence when facing a resurgent Marseille team that is clearly hungry for a win.
Editor: You mentioned Leonardo Balerdi’s comments about the importance of the match. What do you think the significance of this Classic is for Marseille fans and the team as a whole?
Julie Lacroix: For Marseille fans, this match is everything. The historical rivalry with PSG adds an extra layer of intensity. A victory on home soil not only ends that painful streak but also solidifies their position as title contenders this season. Balerdi’s leadership and desire to win are crucial. The players know that a win here could serve as a massive confidence boost as they aim for a top finish in Ligue 1.
Editor: Lastly, Adrien Rabiot’s return to the Vélodrome wearing OM colors adds an intriguing subplot. How significant do you think his presence will be in this match?
Julie Lacroix: Rabiot could be the difference-maker for Marseille. His experience and technical ability will be vital, especially as he understands PSG’s style of play from the inside. His leadership qualities can inspire his teammates, and the fact that he’s physically back on track and paired with Hojbjerg creates an attacking threat that PSG will have to watch closely. His performance will be key in attempting to exploit any gaps in PSG’s defense.
Editor: Thank you, Julie, for your insights. It certainly looks like an exciting match ahead, and I think all fans will be looking forward to seeing whether OM can finally break their home curse against PSG.
Julie Lacroix: Thank you! It’s going to be a thrilling encounter for sure. Let’s see if the tides have finally turned for Marseille!
