At the Velodrome stadium,
OM’s last matches prove Jorge Sampaoli right. And Gerson. Olympique de Marseille pulled off a very nice coup on Sunday evening at the Vélodrome stadium, during the closing match of the 29th day of Ligue 1, and especially the clash between the 2nd and 3rd in the championship, beating OGC Nice from accuracy (2-1).
As often, the OM coach had a few surprises in store at the start of this match, and many of us in the press box wondered about this choice not to start any full-back professional player. No Luan Peres or Sead Kolasinac on the left, nor Pol Lirola on the right. But a Valentin Rongier in his hybrid role, right side in the defensive phase, and midfielder in the offensive phase, and a Gerson in that of piston on the left. With a defense of three Saliba, Kamara, very good, and Caleta Car.
“A player a little more offensive than a classic side”
“We had imagined a 5-4-1 in defense, with Gerson who was this 5th player on the left side. We thought we could attack from the outside. We thought he could play this role and compete with fast players. The idea was to have a player a little more offensive than a classic side, while protecting him a little with the other four defenders, ”explained Jorge Desio after the match, on the bench after the suspension of Jorge Sampaoli.
Gerson, more accustomed to the middle than to the corridor, but who had already helped out in this position, very quickly dictated the tempo at the start of the match, scraping a lot of balls. Without ever forgetting to plan. Widely criticized on his arrival in Marseille, the Brazilian even offered himself a small cheer at the end of the first half thanks to a new defensive return.
Well deserved rest
Three days after offering the penultimate pass hands on hips, on OM’s winning goal against Basel in the European Cup, Gerson offered himself the luxury of still being decisive. By depositing a millimeter center on the head of Cédric Bakambu, to make Peres and Kolasinac pale together, to finally allow his team to take off at home (89th). Because three minutes later, Nice midfielder Mario Lemina scored against his former club (90+2), a goal that could have cost a cruel equalizer. And a cold shower at the Velodrome.
But OM are doing better, and have a fourth victory in a row, championship and Europa League Conference cup combined. Including two at home. The Marseillais mainly recover 2nd place, alone, with a point ahead of Rennes, and three over Nice. And Gerson will be able to take advantage of the international break to rest, for once he is not selected with Brazil this season. Even though he is in top form, perfect for the end of the OM season.