Roberto De Zerbi uses Coupe de France stroll to revive struggling OM players | OneFootball

Marseille’s 6-0 cruise at Bourg-en-Bresse doubled as a reset for several fringe figures, with Facundo Medina, Leonardo Balerdi, Angel Gomes and Neal Maupay all taking the chance to re-emerge.

At Marcel-Verchère, team-mates formed a guard of honour for 18-year-old Tadjidine Mmadi, scorer of the sixth and his first senior goal. According to L'ÉEquipe, Roberto De Zerbi praised the youngster and said he had selected players short of minutes with a busy January ahead.

Balerdi, restored as captain after two games out, headed the opener in the eighth minute from a Gomes corner, celebrating towards the away end then the bench. The defender later erred as chances were conceded against the division’s weakest attack, with partner Benjamin Pavard also troubled, and De Zerbi adjusted his back line’s attacking shape. Medina returned around the hour for his first outing in nearly three months after a right ankle injury and a November setback.

The Argentina international, on seven caps and recruited from Lens in the summer, also hurt his left ankle early in the season and sits on 301 minutes at mid-campaign. De Zerbi views him as suited to his hybrid build-up, competing with Emerson at left centre-back or allowing Emerson to push on, adding edge to the side.

Gomes, unused since the 2-2 with Toulouse on 29 November, impressed as a No 10, carrying play and creating a big chance for Mason Greenwood on 20 minutes, before leaving with Greenwood and CJ Egan-Riley. He remains a potential departure in the next window.

Maupay made his first start in eight and a half months, leading the line as a No 9 after strong training. Previously deemed surplus and limited to 61 minutes this season, he worked diligently, and one drop-off led to the corner for the opener. De Zerbi applauded him when substituting him on 62 minutes.

For Balerdi, Medina’s return adds pressure, though Nayef Aguerd’s Africa Cup of Nations duty should offer short-term respite.

Source: L'Équipe