Ex-Marseille man wary of Sporting duo’s threat: they’re top class | OneFootball

Vitinha, a former Marseille player who is currently with Genoa, discussed the Sporting - Marseille match, which will take place next Wednesday, October 22, at the Estádio José Alvalade. The Portuguese forward shared his expectations for this fourth round of the Champions League, in which he foresees considerable challenges for Rui Borges' team.

“We can expect a very solid Marseille, composed of great players with a lot of quality. Essentially, similar to what we've seen in recent games. A competitive team, with players who can make a difference at any moment,” he began, in statements to the newspaper O Jogo.

Following this, the Portuguese footballer addressed the main differences in Marseille since the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi: “I think they now have more stability, greater than during the period when I was there. A stability that is necessary for things to go well on the field. I believe the coach [De Zerbi] brought that stability, that confidence, that will to win, that competitiveness that the team shows on the field.”

With particular emphasis on Mason Greenwood, Vitinha chose to focus on the collective: “I could talk about one or another player, but I think what stands out at this time is the collective quality. It is the most concerning for Sporting. Even Marseille's usual substitutes are players with a lot of quality. Even if the coach makes changes, the team remains competitive. If things don't work as a team, individually the player can do little.”

As for Sporting, the player noted that one of the main weapons could be the forwards, Luis Suárez and Fotis Ioannidis - whose starting position is still uncertain: “They are two great forwards, two players with a lot of potential. Players who make a difference, score goals, they are top-notch. Without a doubt, Sporting is very well served with two great forwards.”

“Sporting has to demonstrate on the field that it has the conditions to advance in the competition. I wish good luck to both teams, to Marseille mainly because it is my former team. To Sporting because it is a Portuguese club and I wish all the best to Portuguese clubs,” he added.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.