Benjamin Pavard’s OM slump deepens after Liverpool loss and Bruges ban | OneFootball

After a bright start at OM, Benjamin Pavard’s slump was laid bare in Wednesday’s 0-3 loss to Liverpool, capped by a booking that bans him from next Wednesday’s decisive trip to Bruges.

According to L'Équipe, he has looked increasingly tense. Roberto De Zerbi felt the first half was even but said OM failed to read that play ran through Pavard, who needed to help progress and attack more, including alongside Amir Murillo.

His hybrid brief flips from right centre-back in a back three to full-back. Despite flashes in the 5-1 win over Nice and 2-1 against Newcastle, he has been benched, including versus Union Saint-Gilloise. He has started four of five this year and should face Lens on Saturday.

He joined OM to reignite his France prospects, yet a preference for centre-back left him behind Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Ibrahima Konaté and Lucas Hernandez, while Jules Koundé has nailed down right-back with Malo Gusto trusted and Warren Zaïre-Emery an option.

Under assistant Guy Stéphan’s gaze on Wednesday he struggled, notably against Hugo Ekitike, and did little to strengthen his case. Capped 55 times with five goals, he has not played for France since a late outing in the 3-1 win over Italy on 17 November 2024. On loan from Inter with an option around €15m, he now faces decisive weeks with no agreement beyond this season.

Source: L'Équipe