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The defeat against Auxerre (1-3), on November 8, marked a turning point in OM’s season. Under pressure, Roberto De Zerbi even threatened to resign. But far from giving in to the crisis, the Italian coach was able to rectify the situation and give his team a strong identity. Today, OM finally seem to be digesting the ambitious precepts of their coach, culminating with four victories in the last five matches.
From Zerbi, a new system for new momentum
Faced with criticism, De Zerbi quickly reacted by reestablishing a 3-4-2-1 tactical pattern. This configuration, adopted in November during the victory against Lens (3-1), made it possible to find a better balance between defensive solidity and offensive dynamism. Geoffrey Kondogbia, pillar of the midfield, brings a physical presence and valuable experience, while Valentin Rongier stabilizes the whole with his tactical rigor.
On the offensive side, Adrien Rabiot and Mason Greenwood, described as “leg players” by their coach, play a key role in breaking the opposing lines thanks to their mobility. Quentin Merlin, although still capable of improvement defensively, established himself in his role as left piston, notably thanks to his opening score against Lille, the result of a choreographed sequence.
De Zerbi’s OM in full recovery.
A collective rise in power
OM’s progress is not only measured in results. Against Saint-Étienne or Lille, the team demonstrated better cohesion and an ability to dictate the tempo of the match. “We found the team that controls the game,” De Zerbi recently said, satisfied to see his ideas take shape.
Despite this progress, challenges remain. Center forwards Neal Maupay and Elye Wahi still need to step up to convert more chances. Nevertheless, with a team now stabilized and an assertive style of play, OM seem ready to take on the great challenges to come.
Written by:
Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
 As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers.
 
 When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans. Feel free to follow Manu on Twitter and interact with him as he shares his expert opinions, insights, and love for French football.
