Pol Lirola, the savior of OM during the match against FC Lorient. – Christophe SIMON / AFP
- Olympique de Marseille beat FC Lorient 3-2 in added time on Saturday for the 33rd day of Ligue 1.
- A victory obtained in particular thanks to Pol Lirola’s double.
- Thanks to this victory, the Marseillais glue back to European places.
At the Velodrome stadium,
Olympique de Marseille managed to snatch victory in added time against FC Lorient (3-2), Saturday at the Stade Vélodrome, for the 33rd day of Ligue 1. A victory, which allows OM to pick up the European places, obtained in large part thanks to Pol Lirola, author of a double. The first for a side of OM, since Taye Taïwo in 2009.
Pol Lirola however had the greatest difficulties to exist, like his team, during the whole first half without his sidekick on the right side, Florian Thauvin. Jorge Sampaoli had made the choice to make him play as a piston, on the left side of a defense of 5. “Since my very first match we got along very well with Florian Thauvin, we get along very well of course and in outside the field. He knows how to give me the ball at the right time. In the first half we could see that I was missing him. The coach saw it and was able to change, ”he explained.
“It was my mistake”
Jorge Sampaoli admitted his mistake at a post-match press conference. “Pol played a great game, he created a lot. He is a player who adapts quickly. He is used to combining with Flo but I made him play more on the left and that was my mistake. Pol found himself without a connection, but in the second half he was able to take advantage of the team’s momentum and he contributed a lot, ”admitted the OM coach.
The second half was the perfect example of the good understanding between Lirola and Thauvin. In the wake of Payet’s magnificent volley which allowed OM to pick up the score (53rd), Florian Thauvin launched perfectly in depth Pol Lirola who only had to adjust the goalkeeper (56th), to take the wide. Not yet fully satisfied, the Spanish side offered victory to his team in added time (93rd). An essential victory in the race for Europe. “I’m very happy, not only for my goals, but also to help the team for the 3 points. At this time of the season, it is important. We can’t afford to fail so if I could help, I’m more than happy, ”he savored.
“I would love to stay”
A very successful service for the one who flourished can be the most since the arrival of Sampaoli and the establishment of this system. “Yes since the arrival of the coach, I play a lot more freely. My teammates cover me in defense and the playing system favors me. I can make the most of my qualities. This is the first time that I have scored a double in pro and it is something that I can do again especially since the arrival of Sampaoli ”, analyzed Pol Lirola.
An element on which Jorge Sampaoli would like to rely for the future, “let’s hope he can do something with us”, but Pol Lirola is, for the moment, only lent by Fiorentina. “Next season does not depend on me, I am calm, I am playing as much as possible to convince OM that I can be counted on. I would love to stay, ”he admitted. There is no doubt that the supporters are also hoping to see him again in the Olympian jersey next season.