Marseille’s right flank could become Bruno Genesio’s next adjustment point as the season gathers speed. The OM coach has no immediate intention of abandoning his back four for a five-man defence, but Timothy Weah may yet be moved further forward.
Weah has often operated as a wing-back during his career and is comfortable in advanced areas. Keeping four defenders would not prevent Genesio from altering the role of his captain, particularly with new options being examined at right-back.
Quick facts
- Bruno Genesio does not currently plan to switch Marseille to a five-man defence.
- Ulisses Garcia was tested at right-back during the break and started there against Montpellier in Martigues.
- Kelyann Bezahaf is another right-back option after an encouraging display in the 2-0 win at Troyes.
- Timothy Weah played on the right of attack in the 3 October friendly against Montpellier.
- Moving Weah higher could allow Amine Harit to return to a central role.
Garcia was used on the right side of the defensive line in training during the international break, before being handed that role in the friendly against Montpellier. The experiment offered Genesio another possible route without changing the team’s overall defensive structure.
Bezahaf has also strengthened his case. The academy product, who joined Marseille at the age of 10, was one of the brighter performers alongside Nouhoum Kamissoko in Sunday night’s 2-0 victory at Troyes, even if the collective display was far from flawless.
If either Garcia or Bezahaf becomes a dependable answer at right-back, Weah could be released into a more attacking position. The United States international has endured a difficult opening to the campaign, notably receiving two yellow cards and being sent off against PSG.
During the October 3 friendly with Montpellier, Weah came on as a right-sided attacker rather than in defence. He is understood to welcome the greater freedom offered higher up the pitch, having sometimes felt restricted when stationed at full-back.
Marseille’s approaching Europa League fixtures, with matches this Thursday and again next week, could provide the opportunity to test the reshuffle in competitive conditions. It would give Genesio more pace, direct running and creativity from the right, areas where OM have occasionally lacked incision.
There is a potential consequence in the middle of the pitch. Harit has been filling in on the right but is more comfortable centrally, and a more advanced Weah could open a path for the Moroccan to operate behind the striker.
Angel Gomes’ form has caused concern during the early weeks of the season. Harit, or Keyliane Abdallah, are among the players capable of offering an alternative in the No. 10 role, while Weah would add another attacking option alongside them.
Genesio now has several moving pieces: Garcia and Bezahaf at right-back, Weah as a wider attacking possibility, and Harit as a central creator. The coach may not be ready to redraw Marseille’s system, but he appears willing to rearrange its personnel.
