Olympique de Marseille will carry a bruised Ligue 1 mood into Istanbul on Thursday, but captain Timothy Weah believes the first European night of the campaign can help turn the light back on.
SEO Title: Timothy Weah backs Marseille to respond against Besiktas
SEO Description: Marseille captain Timothy Weah says the squad remains united and ready to respond when OM begin their Europa League campaign against Besiktas in Istanbul.
Weah sees Europa League as a chance for Marseille
- Marseille lost 1-0 at Rennes on Friday, a defeat that Weah said had been particularly hard to take late in the match.
- OM now travel to Istanbul to face Besiktas at 21:00 on Thursday in their opening Europa League fixture.
- Weah said the dressing room is prepared for the occasion and sees the competition as a potential lift after a difficult domestic spell.
“Everyone is ready and wants to play and help the side,” the United States international said. “The Rennes game was difficult, especially at the end for me, but we have to move on.
“This European match can bring us fresh energy. It is a competition everyone wants to be involved in. We need to keep our heads up.”
Captain insists the breakthrough will come
Weah did not hide Marseille’s current problems, but said the players remain committed in training and capable of finding a way through the rough period.
“It is difficult at the moment and we are going through a very hard time,” he said. “But this is a group that works well every day. The turning point will arrive. When the sun comes out, we will all be happy.”
Pride in the Marseille armband
The 25-year-old said he had accepted the captaincy with pride, describing it as a major moment after a career he felt had not always been straightforward.
“I am very proud to have received the armband,” Weah said. “My career has not been easy, so this is a wonderful opportunity. I thank the coach for thinking of me. It is incredible.
“I wanted to be captain all my life. To have that role at Marseille during a difficult spell means a lot, because I can push the team, stay positive and show that we must keep going.”
Weah also thanked Marseille supporters for their welcome since his arrival, saying the club must continue forward together as it seeks a response against Besiktas.
