Five defeats have drained the colour from Marseille’s bright opening night, but Neal Maupay insists the club still feels the supporters behind it as OM prepare for a crucial trip to Troyes.
Marseille began their Ligue 1 season by beating Strasbourg 4-0 at the Vélodrome on 21 August, a result that stirred optimism despite a summer transfer window without a single arrival. Since then, however, Bruno Genesio’s side have lost five consecutive matches and slipped to 17th place with only three points on the board.
Sunday’s match at Troyes, which closes the sixth round of fixtures, offers an immediate chance to halt that slide. It is also the start of a demanding eight-day sequence: Olympiacos visit Marseille in the Europa League before OM travel to Angers.
Maupay salutes the travelling support
Maupay said the response from Marseille supporters has been a major source of strength during a run that has tested the squad. He recalled that the team was applauded after defeat to Paris FC, while the travelling section at Rennes was full and remained vocal after another loss.
“We really need that backing this season because the results have been difficult,” Maupay said. “Knowing they are with us gives us enormous strength. They understand football, they can see the club’s situation and they can see players giving everything on the pitch.”
Although sections of the fanbase have directed criticism at owner Frank McCourt and former club officials, the ultras have continued to support the players and Genesio’s coaching staff. Maupay believes that patience has been earned by the commitment shown on the field, even if he accepts it cannot last indefinitely without victories.
“You cannot point to a player who has only played at 50 per cent or has not given everything,” he said. “That is why they are behind us. But everyone knows football: if we do not win for a long time, they will lose patience, and that would be normal. We want to repay the trust they have shown us.”
The forward added that hearing applause at home after a defeat had made a lasting impression on the squad. “It is huge support and we are very grateful. We cannot wait to turn the situation around for them.”
Belief before Troyes
Despite Marseille’s position near the foot of the table, Maupay sees signs of progress in a side still adapting to the demands of Genesio and his staff. The striker believes the group must turn those encouraging moments into points quickly.
“We have to believe in ourselves, tell ourselves that we are good players, that there is quality in this squad and that we will win matches,” Maupay said. “Now it is up to us to show that on the pitch.”
He acknowledged that the numbers are harsh: three points from six league outings is not acceptable. Yet Maupay argued that the team has produced positive passages in recent games and is increasingly understanding the coach’s ideas.
“It may sound contradictory, but I have seen plenty of good things in our matches,” he said. “The results are a fact, and three points is not good, but the team is improving. We are taking on board what the coach and his staff want more and more.”
For Maupay, Marseille now need one result to interrupt the downward momentum. “We are in a negative spiral and need a spark. I hope it comes quickly. We are training with the belief that the next match can be the right one, and we will go there determined to give everything and leave with a win.”
