The context
After a euphoric end to last season punctuated by a fine 2nd place in the standings, OM had a very eventful off-season. Unhappy with the turn of events in recruitment, Jorge Sampaoli resigned and was replaced at short notice by Igor Tudor. A thoughtful choice by Jorge Sampaoli and Javier Ribalta, eager to initiate a new dynamic, namely vertical, direct and transitional football more in line with modern football as the Spanish leader pointed out.
So far, the Olympians have played five friendlies under the Croatian coach’s mandate, for one success (Marignane-Gignac), one draw (Betis) and three defeats (Norwich, Middlesbrough and AC Milan). In Provence, there is concern among fans who are confused about the system of the former Juventus defender.
Finally, note that Reims is a trap opponent for Ciel et Blanc. Marseille have won just 33% of their home matches against Reims in Ligue 1, their lowest percentage against a team hosted at least 10 times. OM have also won only one of their last 9 receptions from Reims in L1 (6 draws, 2 losses), in May 2016 (1-0). Last season (December 22), the Rémois came to take a point (1-1) at the Vélodrome.
The match will be refereed by Mr. Jérôme Brisard.
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The teams
For this match, Igor Tudor will be without defensive midfielder Pape Gueye and central defender Duje Caleta-Car, both suspended after an accumulation of yellow cards at the end of last season. The goalkeeper Pau Lopez, hit in the psoas, is also forfeited. Ruben Blanco will therefore keep the cages of OM.
Isaak Touré, expelled (two warnings) against AC Milan (0-2) last Sunday in a friendly, is not suspended. He can claim a starting place. Finally, the new recruit Jordan Veretout figures well in the group.
On the Reims side, it is a small group which will go to the Marseille city with many absences to note: Jens Cadjus, Maxime Busi, Thomas Foket, Nathanaël Mbuku or Junya Ito.
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Player to watch: Dimitri Payet
If he plays, the Marseille n°10 will play his 300th match with Marseille. If he scores, he will become the 4th active player to reach 100 goals in Ligue 1, along with Kylian Mbappé (135), Wissam Ben Yedder (126) and Alexandre Lacazette (100).
Payet (currently with 99 goals and 111 assists in Ligue 1) would then be the 4th player with at least 100 goals and 100 assists in the same European Top 5 championship since 2005/06 after Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema in La Liga and Thomas Müller in Bundesliga.
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The number: 73
Marseille will begin its 73rd season in Ligue 1, the highest total. OM are also the only one of the four teams with the most seasons in Ligue 1 to be present in the top flight in 2022/23, since Bordeaux (69), Saint-Étienne (69) and Sochaux (66) are in L2 (Rennes, 65 L1 seasons on the clock, equals Sochaux in 2022/23 with 66 seasons).
The phrase
“The style of play that I want to put in place is not at all the same as that of my predecessor (Jorge Sampaoli). Football is a beautiful sport. You can win in many ways. But I am aware that it will take time.” By Igor Tudor, OM coach.
>> The results and the calendar of the 1st day of Ligue 1
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