Olympique de Marseille kick off their Europa League campaign in crisis. Marcelino left the club on Wednesday, whilst members of Les Phocéens’ hierarchy, including president Pablo Longoria, have stepped back from their roles amidst threats and insults from the club’s fanbase.
On the pitch, the situation isn’t so clear either. Jacques Abardonado has been placed in charge on an interim basis, and whilst he is expected to make changes to the side that take on Ajax, to what extent is yet to be ascertained. Marseille had looked ill-suited to Marcelino’s 4-4-2, and according to L’Équipe, the side will switch to a more familiar 4-3-3 in Amsterdam.
Azzedine Ounahi, who had been almost frozen out at the club, may be in line to start the match alongside Valentin Rongier and Jordan Veretout in a configuration that more closely resembles last year’s midfield. Ismaila Sarr is the only absentee for the Europa League tie.
Marseille likely lineup v Ajax
Pau Lopez; Renan Lodi, Samuel Gigot, Chancel Mbemba, Jonathan Clauss; Azzedine Ounahi, Valentin Rongier, Jordan Veretout; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Vitinha, Iliman Ndiaye. (L’Éq)
GFFN | Luke Entwistle