On the front foot: Racing host OM in Sunday clash
Racing to the front
Under the auspices of manager Liam Rosenior, signed in the summer to replace Patrick Vieira, Racing Club de Strasbourg have been one of the league's most entertaining sides, most recently playing out a three-all draw against LOSC Lille last weekend. They've also put three past Stade Rennais and also took part in a memorable 4-3 loss in Lyon. Rosenior has skillfully blended returning players like Emanuel Emegha (three goals, one assist) and Chelsea loanee Andrey Santos with new arrivals.
Swedish international Sebastian Nanasi has caught the eye with three goals as well, but another Chelsea loanee, Diego Moreira, has also impressed, proving a live wire after a middling spell at Lyon last season. Arrivals and returnees alike have both reveled in the freedom afforded them under Rosenior, and even if a very young squad still looks a bit callow in defence, their attacking prowess means they'll scarcely be out of any match.
Speaking ahead of the match, Rosenior opined, reflecting on the need to be effective at both ends, "I think that in each match we aim to keep our playing principles but we adapt certain things depending on our opponent. I am very proud of the progress shown by the players since the start of the season. We create a lot of chances and danger can come from everywhere. We still have to find a balance with the defensive aspect to concede fewer goals."
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘀𝘀 🫡⚽️ pic.twitter.com/kccIYBHsAC
— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) September 26, 2024
A new addition to boost De zerbi's side?
Marseille, the visitors tomorrow, have been even more impressive going forward under Roberto de Zerbi, as underscored by scoring three goals against Lyon, a bitter rival, despite playing with ten men for essentially the entire match, something De Zerbi will be eager not to repeat after also finishing with ten men against Toulouse the previous week. Playing a gung-ho 4-2-3-1, a summer remake has given de Zerbi plenty of options, with Mason Greenwood impressing with five goals, and Jonathan Rowe scoring the winner against Lyon.
But like Rosenior, he's also helped improve holdovers, including Luis Henrique (three goals, three assists) and Amine Harit. He'll also potentially look to a new face, Adrien Rabiot, tomorrow, the veteran midfielder having passed fir for this encounter. With outstanding depth and no European football, Marseille have been tipped as genuine title contenders, but early in his regime, de Zerbi underscored he was looking more to re-establish a sense of passion before worrying about any such lofty goals, or even their overall style.
"Our team has a very clear, very defined personality. It has a soul, it's the most important thing, the hardest to get. After that, we need to make progress on the quality of our play." Against an opponent who are also eager to show they've absorbed the lessons of a new coach tomorrow, Marseille are sure to bring that to bear, creating what will no doubt be an entertaining spectacle.
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