OM: Nayef Aguerd opens up about his spectacular start to the season | OneFootball

Interview

Nayef Aguerd

An undisputed starter at OM, Nayef Aguerd has transformed Roberto De Zerbi's side since the start of the 2025-2026 campaign. The Moroccan international faced the press this Friday.

Signed in the final hours of the summer transfer window, Nayef Aguerd wasted no time in establishing himself at the heart of OM's defense. Delivering a string of top-level performances, the Moroccan quickly became an irreplaceable figure in Roberto De Zerbi's lineup. With him, OM have become far more solid, racking up five straight victories.

Fresh back from international duty, Nayef Aguerd appeared at a press conference. Naturally, he discussed his bright start to the season. "I want to thank the club for making my adaptation here so smooth. Personally, I feel happy, I’m pleased. We're on a winning streak, so I’m really satisfied. Things are going well both on and off the pitch, so there’s nothing more to say. My current physical state? The coach doesn’t give us a choice with his experience; he knows exactly when we’re fit or tired. Morocco isn’t far from France, so when I go, I don’t have long trips. You should ask the guys going to Argentina or the United States that question (laughs); as for me, I feel great physically. Of course, you have to be honest not to put the team at risk if you’re not feeling your best. But physically, I’m in good shape." he confided.

He then spoke about his role in Marseille’s defense: "My role is different from what I had before. Real Sociedad was also a possession-based team, so that suited me and my qualities very well. De Zerbi is passionate about football and always has new ideas. I love playing in a dominant team that likes to control the game. I’m happy because it really highlights my strengths. The coach has his ideas, there are experienced players—Balerdi, Medina, CJ too—it was more about adapting and putting in extra work. For me, it’s easy to play alongside guys who love the ball and never hide." he added.

Nayef Aguerd also touched on the challenges ahead: "It’s easier to come back when you know you’re on a good run. I’m even hungrier now than when I arrived. I’m not thinking about Morocco or the international break. I’m just focused on my job. Tomorrow, it’s a match where we need to take all three points. It reminds me of Lorient and that amazing winning streak. Maybe this run will stretch to seven games, but honestly, the coach could answer that better. In December, we can take stock. We have a lot of talent in this squad. My aim is to pick up as many points as possible and see what happens next. Our strength is a mix of passion, fervor, and talent—let’s not forget that. There’s a lot of it in this team. Here, you have to aim to win everything. We’ve got a group with real character. Against Strasbourg, Metz—you could see the character we showed. There’s something special happening this year, and we need to make the most of it."