Can austerity-hit Marseille mount a swift Champions League return? | OneFootball

Marseille start under austerity, the squad pared back and ambitions reset to staying competitive after last term ended with Europa League salvaged.

GetFootballNewsFrance.com understands Stéphane Richard and Grégory Lorenzi face drastic cuts. Mason Greenwood has joined Fenerbahçe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gerónimo Rulli and Facundo Medina have gone, and even Timothy Weah could be sold, though Marseille would prefer to keep him.

Weah has become the key reference point. He was a steady performer whose versatility helped, and he wore the armband against Atlético Madrid. At season's end he tempered expectations, then added, "We could win the Europa League."

Recruitment has yet to start despite major exits. Marseille must sell before they buy, with possible moves for Guillaume Restes and a loan for West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo still unresolved. The DNCG and UEFA constraints have left them on the back foot.

There remains talent. Igor Paixão may be the principal threat, Amine Gouiri offers a central option, and Angel Gomes with Quinten Timber, plus possibly Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, forms a credible midfield. Defence and depth are bigger worries.

A proposed move for Nayef Aguerd to Real Sociedad collapsed, and Geoffrey Kondogbia has even filled in at centre-back. Bruno Génésio has approached the turmoil pragmatically, noting the hierarchy imposed Højbjerg's demotion after he refused Newcastle.

12 months ago OM wondered about closing the gap to Paris Saint-Germain. Now the aim is simpler, remain competitive and repair finances. A European finish would mark progress, an immediate Champions League return would be exceptional.

Source: GetFootballNewsFrance.com

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