Marseille’s crisis deepened at the Stade Vélodrome as Paris Saint-Germain won 2-1 in Le Classique, leaving OM second from bottom after a fourth consecutive Ligue 1 defeat.
The Ligue 1 news
Bruno Genesio’s side had hoped to halt their slide against PSG but were unable to turn a committed display into points. After five rounds, Marseille have collected only three points and sit 17th, in the first relegation position.
PSG coach Luis Enrique said the match had been far tougher than many expected, praising Marseille’s defensive work and their approach to the occasion.
“It was the sort of game we had prepared for, a difficult one,” Luis Enrique said. “People were saying it would be easy, but playing at the Vélodrome is never easy. We tried to play our football, although we made fewer chances before half-time because Marseille defended very well. The second half was different and we produced a very good performance.”
The former Barcelona manager also offered encouragement to Genesio, insisting Marseille had shown enough to suggest they can recover.
“Nothing comes easily,” he said. “We saw a good Marseille team, especially in the way they defended. They have a very good coach and I am certain they will improve.”
Genesio accepted that the situation cannot continue at a club of Marseille’s stature. Speaking after the game, he said he would take time to assess the defeat before holding discussions with his staff and club officials.
“It is amusing that everyone wishes me courage,” Genesio said. “What we have is not enough. I take my share of responsibility, and others will have to take theirs as well. I am not thinking beyond that for the moment. I will process this defeat, speak with my staff and then with the directors, because Marseille should not be in this position.”
The next appointment in France
Marseille return to Ligue 1 action on 11 October with a trip to Troyes, who are 16th. With only one place separating the two teams, the fixture has already taken on the weight of an early survival battle.
